NRL: Injured backrow hero joins celebrations before going under knife

Sam Burgess of the Rabbitohs will join English rugby club Bath later this month as he bids to play for England in the Rugby World Cup next year. Photo / Getty Images

Clive Churchill medallist Sam Burgess played a key role in South Sydney's NRL premiership celebrations yesterday ahead of scheduled surgery for a fractured cheekbone.

Burgess received the injury in the opening tackle of the Rabbitohs' drought-breaking NRL grand final win over Canterbury on Sunday.

The rugby-bound backrower will undergo surgery today.

Blue bruising marked the right side of his face, but the England international still sported a massive smile for the estimated 10,000 Rabbitohs fans gathered at Redfern Oval to celebrate their first premiership since 1971.

"I'm so proud of what we have done," Burgess told Rabbitohs faithful.

"This will stay with me forever, what we have achieved here and the friends I have made. But first I have to get this face fixed up."

Burgess will join English rugby club Bath later this month as he bids to play for England in the Rugby World Cup next year.

He will leave behind brothers George, Thomas and Luke and a legacy as big as John Sattler's at Redfern.

It is unlikely, but Burgess wouldn't rule out a return to South Sydney after his time with rugby.

"You never say never."

Meanwhile, South Sydney's other departing grand final hero Api Koroisau admitted he went into the NRL decider with mixed emotions after replacing suspended hooker Issac Luke.

The Penrith-bound rake was hailed by coach Michael Maguire in his final appearance for Souths having set up the move that led to George Burgess' crucial go-ahead try in the 57th minute after Canterbury had levelled at 6-6.

The 21-year-old said he was close to collapse after a breathless opening 10 minutes.

- AAP