The club confirmed the former South Sydney star reached out to officials earlier in the week with a desire to finish his career in the NRL.

Burgess last played in the competition in 2019, moving to Wigan for an ill-fated stint in his home country. The 29-year-old played just eight games for the club before he was released in February.

Read more: Goorjian's call to arms for Illawarra Hawks faithful

The Englishman underwent hip surgery for a chronic condition that he carried through much of his career. Upon announcing his departure from the Warriors, Burgess outlined his hopes of returning to the field.

St George Illawarra are taking a cautious approach to his recruitment, officials wanting to see how he recovers from the operation before making a decision on whether to pursue the 2014 premiership winner.

Should Burgess join the club, forward Josh Kerr said he will be welcomed with open arms.

"He's been part of that professional system before, he knows what it takes to win competitions," Kerr said. "As long as everyone's willing to buy into the culture and provide a bit of experience for us boys, I'm all for it.

"The first I heard of it was this morning, but he's someone that's a very large body, a very big human being, he's a great player and from what I've heard, he's a great bloke too. For someone who's been in a system that's won a competition before, if he were to come here, I'd be looking forward to the experience."

The Burgess news comes as Jordan Pereira looks set to depart the club. The winger received interest from the Knights, however it is unlikely Newcastle will have salary cap space if they sign Matt Lodge. Contracted to the end of this season, Pereira is expected to see out his deal with the Dragons.

The 28-year-old was dropped from the 17 this week to make way for the returning Mikaele Ravalawa. St George Illawarra will also welcome back Kerr, Matt Dufty and Jack de Belin for Thursday's clash with Brisbane.

The match is de Belin's first NRL game since 2018, the 30-year-old spending the past 2.5 seasons out of the sport under the no-fault stand-down policy.

After watching his teammate play 44 minutes in reserve grade last weekend, Kerr is confident de Belin will provide an immediate impact to the side.

"It always is going to be a bit of a risk because he has been out for so long, but Jack is an ultra-professional. For someone who has been out of the game for as long as he has, to keep himself in good nick, they were putting him through a personal pre-season on his own.

"He's always trained well, had a good lifestyle, I think he's going to come back in good shape. It's going to be tough, the game's changed so much since he last played. It's going to be a sink or swim situation for him and I think he's going to swim."

Thursday's clash at Kogarah will also see Jack Bird face the Broncos for the first time since he left the club after an underwhelming three-year stint in Brisbane.

The 26-year-old played just 17 games in that period, an ACL tear sidelining him for all of 2020.

Bird has shifted to the forwards for the match, a challenge he's excited to face.

"It is a little different to the centres but I've got a job to do," Bird said. "That's to go out there and get the win."