South Sydney forward Sam Burgess has revealed he consulted Sonny Bill Williams about switching codes before eventually making the decision to play rugby union after this year's NRL campaign.
Before Thursday night's clash between the Roosters and Rabbitohs, Burgess admitted he spoke with Williams in England during last year's World Cup, getting the dual international's thoughts on a potential career change before going public with his decision in February this year.
While Burgess insists Williams' remarkable feats in both codes isn't the inspiration behind his decision to leave South Sydney at the end of the season, he has plenty of respect for what his fierce rival has been able to achieve.
"We have only talked briefly over in England," Burgess said.
"I have always had an ambition to do it but I admire Sonny. I think he is a wonderful athlete and I admire what he has achieved. It is unbelievable so I certainly respect that a million per cent but you know I have always had my own sort of ambition to test myself. I didn't think it would come around this quick but these things have happened the way they have.
"I have made my own decisions based on what was going on for me at the time. It has always been my ambition to have a crack but it has come around sooner than I thought. If I can get anywhere near what [Sonny] has achieved I'll be pretty happy. I respect everything he has done."
Burgess has signed a three-year deal with English rugby club Bath and has aspirations to play in next year's rugby world cup in England.
While he is unclear where he will finish his career, Burgess has left the door open for a return to rugby league and South Sydney when he comes off contract.
"I don't know, I could not tell you," Burgess said.
"I'd like to think I'd come back at some stage but I don't have a clue to be honest. I'll just take it step-by-step and see how it goes."
Burgess was left battered and bruised after a physical battle with the Bulldogs last Thursday night.
The South Sydney lock admitted he could not sleep after the match despite taking sleeping pills to help him, struggling to get comfortable after a series of heavy knocks in the win against the Bulldogs.
"I was shaken a bit after the game," Burgess said.
"I didn't sleep after the game, not a wink... it is crazy what your body does sometimes. Some boys can't sleep after a game and struggle with the adrenalin and all that sort of stuff but I'm normally all right. I took one [a sleeping tablet] Thursday night but it didn't really help. The body soreness kept me up. When you get a knock in the ribs it is very uncomfortable.
"I ended up getting up and watching TV because I was pissing my missus off and I turned the game on and watched the game back at 4.30 in the morning ... The next day is all about movement. I was seen by the doc and went off and got scanned what needed to be scanned and checked out. I went and iced up and recovered up and got in the pool. I have done some light weights and a bit of cardio and I'll get out and have a run today."
