www.hullfc.com/hullfc/contents/?p=7154
Hull FC have confirmed that second rower Mike Burnett has joined Harlequins on a season long loan deal.
The 22-year-old has seen his chances limited with the Black and Whites because of heavy competition in the back row and the opportunity to gain regular first-team football in Super League has come at a good time.
Speaking to
www.hullfc.com, Burnett said, “I’m really excited about it and looking forward to the move. It will be a good test for me playing regularly at Super League level and a good opportunity for me to develop my game.
“Playing at a higher intensity with Quins will help me improve my game and hopefully then I can come back to Hull and stake a claim for a regular place in the side.”
He added, “I spoke to Rich and he felt it was a good move for me to give me more first-team opportunities, test myself and help improve my all round game which should help me in the long run.
“I know I have to be patient at Hull. We have a strong pack of forwards, both at prop and in the back row where I can play, but if I know I work hard my time will come.
“It will be hard to dislodge any of the current guys in there as they are top players with bags of experience, so that is why this Quins move comes at a good time for me so I can continue to learn, come back a better player and give it a real crack at Hull in years to come.”
Burnett signed a three-year contract with Hull in 2009 after impressing in an extended run in the team, which was unfortunately cut short due to injury.
Since then he has struggled to force his way back into the reckoning, taking in a loan spell at Sheffield last season and despite heading away from the club once more, head coach Richard Agar still says he’s still very much in his plans.
“For us, Mike is an impressive young pro and a determined young man and I think Harlequins will see that in the player they have this season,” he said.
“We are well stocked in the back row at the moment and for a player like Mike, with his age and experience, he needs to be playing week in-week out to really benefit and we are grateful to Quins that they have been able to offer him that opportunity.
“Mike has the potential to develop into a top play, he has the right attitude and attributes to do that and this move will certainly aid his development.”
He added, “The aim for us at the end of the season will be for us to sit down, review his performances and look to renew his contract, so this is a good challenge for him.”
Burnett’s first competitive game could well be for Harlequins at Millenium Magic Weekend. Hull FC will also be in action against rivals Hull Kingston Rovers on the same weekend.