John Bateman makes poignant tribute to Sam Burgess

Drew Darbyshire

John Bateman has made a heartfelt tribute to his retiring international team-mate Sam Burgess.

South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Burgess has announced his immediate retirement from the game due to a chronic shoulder injury.

Canberra Raiders ace Bateman came through the ranks at Bradford just like Sam, and went on to play against him in the NRL as well as playing alongside him for England on the international stage.

Bateman tweeted: “As a young English kid growing up, all I wanted to do was be like you.

“And then I got the chance to meet and become friends with you and to play alongside you was a dream come true.

“You are an inspiration to every rugby league player in the game. Enjoy retirement you legend.”

Watch NRL and live stream every NRL game to keep up with how the Burgess boys, John Bateman, Ryan Sutton, Elliott Whitehead, James Graham and all the others are getting on Down Under.


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