Burgess takes aim for 2007

Brumbies scrumhalf Luke Burgess is determined to realise the potential that saw him selected in the Wallabies train-on squad in May.

The 23-year-old, who had a strong season for the Brumby Runners and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, was chosen for the extended preliminary national squad despite not adding to his two Super 14 caps in 2006.

However, Burgess has spent the past four months rehabilitating a lisfranc strain in his right foot sustained during a Sydney club rugby match against Warringah in July.

Burgess says the injury was an untimely one.

“I was told that the [national] selectors would keep an eye on me during the club rugby season,” he said. “I got a call to play for Australia A against Fiji [in Melbourne] but fractured my foot the day before I was due to fly down.

“Fortunately everything’s coming along really well now. I was in a [limited-range-of-motion] boot for three months and I can now focus on straight line running. I’m scheduled to resume full training in December and should be right for the trials [in January].”

Burgess, who has added three kilograms to his 2006 playing weight, says his goals have not changed for his fourth season with the Brumbies.

“Naturally I’d love to start for the Brumbies,” he said. “With so many big home games in this season, it’d be fantastic to run out in front of a packed house at Canberra Stadium.

“There’s obviously some tough competition in the squad with George [Gregan] and Phibbsy [Patrick Phibbs] but you need to set goals and push yourself.

“In saying that, playing and training with George has been great for my development. He’s helped me with my positional play and taught me the importance of working within the team. It’s great to learn from someone who can tell you exactly what’s required and does it himself.”

The Brumbies begin their 2007 Super 14 campaign in Hamilton against the Chiefs on February 2 before returning to Canberra Stadium to play the Blues on February 10.