However, a change to the Origin eligibility rules last year requiring players to have resided in the state they wanted to represent before the age of 13 ruled out any chance of Burgess turning out for the Blues – even if he gave up playing for England. "In rugby league the pinnacle of the game is not a Test jersey, it is State of Origin": Russell Crowe. Credit:Getty Images ‘‘In rugby league the pinnacle of the game is not a Test jersey, it is State of Origin,’’ Crowe said in an email. ‘‘Sam, by his birthplace, is prevented from competing at that level. A passionate Blues supporter he would have loved to have that opportunity.’’ Burgess attended last season’s Origin series opener at ANZ Stadium with his brothers Luke, George and Tom and said afterwards the atmosphere made him ‘‘envious’’ of the NSW and Queensland players. He also spoke of his desire to play Origin in an interview with renowned British feature writer Donald McRae during last year’s Rugby League World Cup, which is where the seed for his defection was first planted after a conversation with England assistant coach Andy Farrell.

‘‘I go and watch the Origin games and get goosebumps every time,’’ he said. ‘‘I’d love to do it but it would probably dilute the purity of the game. Backed to succeed in rugby: Russell Crowe stands with Sam Burgess. Credit:Quentin Jones I know there’re some Kiwis in there – but it also dilutes the history. Of course I’d love to be on that stage and if the opportunity ever arose I’d want to do it. ‘‘You can tell there’s a real mix of opinion – certainly judging by social media. Some people say they would love to see me play – others think it’s a joke. There has been a lot of controversy about some of the players who’ve made it but me and Sonny Bill Williams are in the same boat.

We’d love to play State of Origin but probably will never get a chance to do so. I understand the reasons. ’’After being advised of the English approach after Burgess returned from the World Cup in December, Crowe said he understood the reasons the Rabbitohs’ player of the year last season wanted to take up the offer to join Bath at the end of the season. Describing Burgess as an ‘‘inspiration’’, Crowe said he was thankful for his contribution to Souths in the past four seasons and predicted he would make a similar impact in English rugby union. Loading ‘‘I expect Sam will do well in rugby union,’’ Crowe said. ‘‘He has been an inspirational asset at our club and Bath will benefit from Sam’s presence the same way Souths have.

‘‘He has a long challenging journey in front of him, but he is a competitor and a dedicated professional.‘‘I respect his ambition and I appreciate all he has brought to South Sydney.’’