South Sydney's English-born enforcer Sam Burgess has missed by six months any chance of representing NSW in the State of Origin - but he could still play for the Kangaroos.

Burgess, 24, gave what seemed to be an indication he would one day add his trademark starch to the NSW pack when he declared ''I'm a New South Welshman'' before he trained with the Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval on Tuesday. The reason his apparent pledge of allegiance to the Blues resonated was because he's in the throes of applying for Australian citizenship.

Aussie-in-waiting: Sam Burgess training with the Rabbitohs. Credit:Sahlan Hayes

While Burgess tried to hose down the notion he wanted to play Origin, the gleam in his eyes when he spoke about it suggested he was keen to compete in rugby league's greatest showpiece.

''Everyone's thinking it's for different things,'' said Burgess on his motive to become an Aussie. ''But it's purely for the fact when my career does come to an end, I can stay in this country.