Burgess backs Crocker for Souths captaincy

Sam Burgess is a strong candidate for the South Sydney captaincy, but the powerhouse NRL forward would like to see Michael Crocker retain the job in 2012.

Crocker took over from previous skipper Roy Asotasi in May last season when the New Zealand international suffered a season-ending wrist injury with the Rabbitohs struggling in the bottom half of the ladder.

Crocker warmed to the captaincy as South Sydney narrowly missed out on making the finals despite a strong finish to the season – prompting Burgess to back him for the job again next season.

“I’m not the coach. The coach will make that decision, but on last year’s performances he did a cracking job,” Burgess told reporters on Monday.

“… Crocker has been and done everything in the game.

“He’s played in premiership-winning sides and he’s been a part of the game for a lot of years now.

“The pure enthusiasm he brings to the team and just his energy around the place is infectious.

“I think it rubbed off on a lot of the guys last year and (was part of the) success that we got to the back end of the year.

“We won a lot of games purely on excitement and enthusiasm. I think Crocker’s a great man for it and he did a great job last year.”

New Bunnies coach Michael Maguire is yet to make a decision on the captaincy, but it is believed Crocker, Asotasi and Burgess are the main contenders.

“There’s some cracking guys in our team and cracking leaders,” Burgess said.

“It’s nice to have my name thrown up there but I think we’ve got a group of three or four leaders (where) anyone can do the job.

“Whichever way Madge (Maguire) goes I’m sure it will be the correct decision for the team and everyone will get behind that decision.”

At just 22, Burgess has time on his side when it comes to leading South Sydney and could benefit from another year of learning under a passionate leader such as Crocker or Asotasi, but the England international admitted it was an honour he would cherish.

Meanwhile, Burgess declared himself a certain starter for the `Return to Redfern’ match against Super League side Warrington in January.

Burgess has not played since dislocating his ankle in April last year, but is confident he’s made a full recovery and will be at his peak for a round one showdown with rivals the Sydney Roosters.

“I’ll be ready,” he said.

“I’m fully fit now and ready to roll. It gives me a lot of time to prepare for the trials and especially round one.”

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