Burgess was supposed to be in Bath to begin his rugby union career but the facial injury he suffered as he helped South Sydney to their first premiership in 43 years ensured he remained on Australian soil for a few weeks longer.

It meant he was on hand in Brisbane to be named as the best player in the game, adding the coveted individual award to a stellar season at Redfern that culminated with a grand final win over the Bulldogs.

Burgess said it was a surprise honour as he beat out a field that included countryman James Graham and fellow Rabbitoh Greg Inglis.

"It's unexpected really. I wasn't supposed to be in country. I was supposed to be out of here a couple of weeks ago," Burgess said.

"But this is great. I'm really happy with how the year went with South Sydney and for the thousands of fans who have stuck with the club through many years of not-so-good times. To leave on that, it's a story that Russell (Crowe) couldn't have written.

"These awards are great but I'm happy for the team success with South Sydney. It's been a great 12 months and one I'll never forget."

Burgess has been in camp with the England Four Nations squad and admitted a touch of jealousy that he wasn't able to take the field in the tournament, which begins with a double-header at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

But he said he remained excited about his code switch, which will have to wait for at least another eight weeks as he recovers from surgery on the facial fracture that he suffered just seconds into the NRL decider.

Last year's winner of the award, Sonny Bill Williams, has also departed the code as he returns to rugby union for a second time.