ENGLISH rugby union star Sam Burgess is set to be lured back to rugby league with the richest deal in the game’s 108-year history.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Burgess’ contract with an NRL club would be worth a whopping $1.5 million a season — placing him on a more lucrative deal than Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith, South Sydney star Greg Inglis and Dally M Medallist Johnathan Thurston.

Former Souths CEO and current NRL head of strategy Shane Richardson recently arrived in the UK and is prepared to delve into the league’s marquee player fund in order to ensure Burgess returns to Redfern.

On top of his base salary, Burgess’ deal would be topped up by registered, but uncapped, third-party agreements.

His English rugby union club, Bath, have granted him leave to sort out his future, but have granted him a release.

With last right of refusal, South Sydney are firm favourite to sign Burgess, although he is likely to receive interest from just about every other NRL club. Manly expressed an interest earlier this year after the Sea Eagles signed his brother, Luke.

Sam Burgess and Sea Eagles chief executive Joe Kelly are also close from their time at Souths.

NRL clubs are well aware of the $1.5 million price tag and are holding discreet internal talks about how they could sign Burgess, who has been in Spain, but is due to return to Bath training on Monday.

The Daily Telegraph revealed late last week that Souths could look to offload Dylan Walker, Tim Grant or Chris McQueen to free up some room under the club’s salary cap for Burgess.

No doubt the $1.5 million deal would be among the richest for any footy player in Australia.

media_camera Sam Burgess at an England rugby training session.

Bath still hope Burgess, 26, will remain in rugby, despite his modest World Cup campaign and reported unhappiness in the 15-man code.

The English club last week named Burgess in their 41-man European Champions Cup squad.

Fans took to social media over the weekend asking the NRL to consider using their much-discussed slush fund to help swing Burgess back into the NRL.

The Daily Telegraph had already reported Burgess would return to Souths either next season or in 2017.

Some well-informed clubs believe Burgess will be back in rugby league next season just a year after leaving for English rugby union.

media_camera Sam Burgess endured a modest Rugby World Cup campaign.

Bath coach Mike Ford reckons Burgess will stay.

Speaking with the BBC, Ford said: “Last week, Sam came back into training because initially that’s what he wanted, but then he did and he didn’t quite feel right.

“We decided to give him time off there and then, which means that he’s gone away to get refreshed and will be back in training on November 2.”

If released by Bath, Burgess could play with English Super League club Leeds before a return to Souths in 2017.

Burgess still has two years remaining on his contract at Bath.