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 while navigating his career in the media.
Career move: Retired NRL star Sam Burgess (left) has signed with Braith Anasta’s (right) sports talent agency, as he navigates a new career in the media
Alongside a promotional image of the pair, Sam revealed they’d spent the past few months in lockdown reflecting on their challenges on and off the field.
Because they share the same values, Sam found it ‘fitting’ that Braith and the rest of the Searoo Sports team 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 talent agency, Searoo Sports
‘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 contacted 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 own Instagram account on Thursday.
Life after footy: Because they share the same values, Sam found it ‘fitting’ that Braith and the rest of the Searoo Sports team manage his career going forward. Pictured in April 2019
The former Sydney Roosters player told fans that he always had the ‘utmost respect’ for Sam and was ‘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.
‘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.’
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
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.
‘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.’
Love life: Sam has also made headlines for his love life. In October, it emerged that he and his wife, Phoebe Burgess, had split for a second time, after previously breaking up in December 2018 and reconciling the following April. Pictured together in February 2018
Alongside his career, Sam has also made headlines for his love life.
In October, it emerged that he and his wife, Phoebe Burgess, had split for a second time, after previously breaking up in December 2018 and reconciling the following April.
The couple, who married in December 2015, share custody of two children, three-year-old daughter Poppy and one-year-old son Billy.
They finalised their divorce in April, with the former journalist reportedly walking away with 70 per cent of their marital wealth.
Broken family: The couple, who married in December 2015, share custody of two children, three-year-old daughter Poppy and one-year-old son Billy. They finalised their divorce in April, with the former journalist reportedly walking away with 70 per cent of their marital wealth