Retired NRL players Sam Burgess and Braith Anasta are commentators and analysts for Fox Sports’ Fox League team.
And on Thursday, Sam announced that after working alongside Braith, he found it ‘fitting’ to sign with the former five-eighth’s talent agency, Searoo Sports.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sam, 31, said he would be ‘leaning on’ Braith, 38, and his management team as he navigates his career in the media.
Career move: NRL star Sam Burgess (left), 31, has signed with Braith Anasta’s sports talent agency as he navigates a new career in media. Braith, 38, is pictured right
Alongside a promotional image of the pair, Sam revealed how they used the pandemic to reflect on the challenges they have faced, both on and off the field.
Sharing the same values and beliefs, Sam found it ‘fitting’ to appoint Braith and the rest of the Searoo Sports team, to manage his career going forward.
‘I found it fitting to appoint Searoo to help me as we share the same values and beliefs on how players and non-players need guidance and management, deeper than the financial negotiation of a contract,’ he wrote.
Colleagues: In a lengthy Instagram post on Thursday, Sam announced that after working alongside Braith, on Fox Sports, he found it ‘fitting’ to sign with his sports talent agency
‘I love what Braith and his team are building at Searoo Sports, and I am excited to be a part of it, lending my knowledge and experiences to all of #TeamSearoo.’
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Sam’s former management, Sports & Entertainment Ltd, as to whether they are still working together in some capacity.
Braith, who is the general manager of Searoo Sports, also shared the news to his Instagram page on Thursday.
Life after footy: Sharing the same values and beliefs, Sam found it ‘fitting’ to appoint Braith and the rest of the Searoo Sports team, to manage his career going forward. Pictured in April 2019
The former Sydney Roosters player told fans that he has always had the ‘utmost respect’ for Sam and is ‘truly honoured’ to see him ‘flourish post footy’.
‘Working with Sam at Fox Sports over the past few months, we have become very close and share the same values on what and how the modern day athlete needs to be managed,’ he said.
‘It really is simply providing them with the right advice to bring out the best in them both on and off the field.
Injury: In October last year, Sam was forced into retirement with immediate effect due to a chronic shoulder injury. ‘I am no longer able to be myself day in, day out on the training field and consequently the playing field,’ he said in a statement at the time
‘I feel the time is now for Searoo Sports to make a difference in the industry and Sam agrees, that is why he’s jumping on board as a client to enjoy the journey.’
In October last year, Sam was forced into retirement with immediate effect due to a chronic shoulder injury.
‘I have loved absolutely every minute; the highs, the lows; the Grand Final; coming home; my injuries; my dates with the judiciary. It really has been a fantastic ride,’ he said in an official statement at the time.
‘I am no longer able to be myself day in, day out on the training field and consequently the playing field.
Love life: Sam has also made headlines for his love life. In October, it emerged that Sam and his wife Phoebe Burgess (pictured together in February 2018) had split for a second time, after previously breaking up in December 2018 and reconciling in April 2019
‘I will not be playing in the NRL next season. My time has come to an end. I’m excited for my next chapter in life whatever that may be.’
Alongside his career, Sam has also made headlines for his love life.
In October, it emerged that Sam and his wife Phoebe Burgess had split for a second time, after previously breaking up in December 2018 and reconciling in April 2019.
The couple, who wed in December 2015, share two children: three-year-old daughter Poppy and one-year-old son Billy.
Family: The couple, who wed in December 2015, share two children: three-year-old daughter Poppy and one-year-old son Billy