Tom Burgess: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent TE

The relative success of Jarryd Hayne has opened the door for more rugby stars who have dreams of playing in the NFL. Tom Burgess of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a professional team in Australia, could be the next in line.

Continue for updates.

---

Burgess Visits Bills

Friday, Dec. 4

The Australian Associated Press (h/t the Daily Telegraph) reported Burgess worked out for the Buffalo Bills on Friday.

---

Burgess Works Out for Giants

Thursday, Dec. 3

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New York Giants had Burgess in for a workout Thursday.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire issued a statement in support of Burgess' decision: 

"

We’re fully supportive of our players trying to improve themselves. This will provide a unique and valuable experience for Thomas, one that he will no doubt learn a lot from and in turn be able to bring back to the Rabbitohs for the coming season.

"

---

Burgess Could Provide Unique Emergency TE Option

The Giants have a bit of a crisis at tight end. Not only is Daniel Fells out for the season after suffering a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (MRSA), but Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reported Wednesday that Larry Donnell will also miss at least a few weeks after suffering a neck injury.

Burgess, who hails from England, wouldn't need to have an immediate impact for the Giants, but he could at least fill out the roster and be an emergency option at tight end.

In October, he signed an extension with South Sydney through 2018. Before that, speculation in Australia was rampant as Burgess eyed a move to the United States. He spoke about a possible NFL career in May, per Brad Walter of the Sydney Morning Herald:

"

I have shown interest in NFL for a while and I'd spoken to a few of my friends about how I'd love to go there [but] somehow it's been turned into I've got a contract out there, and that's why I've signed for one year with Souths. ... That's not the case, there's nothing there yet and I've not spoken to anyone. It is something I definitely wouldn't turn my nose up at, I'd look into it but there's nothing there currently.

"

Whether it's with New York or another team, Burgess may end up in the NFL soon.

Hayne didn't make the jump until he was 27 years old, so Burgess can afford to wait before committing to American football. At 23 years old, he may not want to put the opportunity off too long, though, so he can fully capitalize on his prime playing years.