George Burgess knocks back Eels offer

George Burgess has knocked back an offer from the Parramatta Eels and will remain with the Rabbitohs until at least the end of 2019.

The South Sydney prop had attracted interest from the Eels with the opportunity to link with Parramatta as early as this season on a multi-year deal.

However the English international informed the Eels on Tuesday night that he had decided against taking up their offer and would see out his deal with the Rabbitohs.

South Sydney haven't got a contract beyond this year on the table, but Burgess is backing himself to earn a new deal in his first season under new coach Wayne Bennett.

The Eels have plenty of money to spend in the salary cap given the departure of Corey Norman to St George Illawarra and the decision not to extend Jarryd Hayne's contract.

They have identified a need for more aggression and size up front to go with the addition of Junior Paulo to the team, who rejoins the Eels after a stint in the nation's capital with the Canberra Raiders.

Burgess is understood to have been close to agreeing to a deal with the Eels for 2019 and beyond but it fell over at the 11th hour.

pan66.com contacted South Sydney, with general manager Shane Richardson reiterating the club's desire to keep Burgess at the club.

"He will be with us in 2019 and Wayne has always indicated he wants him here," Richardson said.