Early Life and Background
Joe Burgess was born on 14 October 1994 in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Growing up in Wigan, a town deeply rooted in rugby league tradition, Burgess was introduced to the sport at a young age. His talent and passion for rugby quickly became apparent as he began playing for the local amateur club, Ince Rose Bridge, before being scouted by Wigan Warriors, one of the biggest rugby league clubs in England.
Burgess’s early career was shaped by his time at the Wigan Warriors Academy, where he honed his skills and developed into a powerful winger. His family, though not heavily involved in rugby professionally, were supportive of his athletic ambitions. Little is known about his family background in public records, but his upbringing in Wigan, a rugby stronghold, provided a solid foundation for his career.
Standing at 1.95 meters (6’5″), Burgess has always been a physical presence on the field. His height and athleticism made him a formidable opponent for any winger, helping him become one of the most talked-about young players in the Super League.
Joe Burgess Rugby League Career
Wigan Warriors (2013–2015)
Joe Burgess professional rugby career began with the Wigan Warriors in 2013. He made an immediate impact in the Super League, showcasing his speed, agility, and try-scoring ability. In 2014, he had a breakout season, scoring 24 tries in 26 appearances, making him one of the top wingers in the league. His impressive performances helped him earn a place in the Super League Dream Team, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in rugby league.
During his time at Wigan, Burgess helped the club secure key victories, including the Challenge Cup and the Super League titles. His consistent form and eye for the try line made him a fan favorite and an integral part of the team.
Move to the NRL: Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs (2016)
In 2016, Burgess made the bold move to the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia, joining the Sydney Roosters. His time in the NRL was marked by a loan spell at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where he made several appearances, including 9 games and 5 tries. Although his stint in Australia was relatively short, Burgess gained valuable experience playing against some of the best players in the world, which further developed his skills.
Return to Wigan Warriors (2017–2020)
Burgess returned to the Wigan Warriors in 2017, where he continued to excel on the wing. Over the next few years, he remained one of the most consistent and dangerous wingers in the Super League, although his try-scoring rate dipped slightly compared to his earlier years. Despite this, he played a key role in Wigan’s strong performances in the league and remained a vital part of the team’s attack.
In 2020, Burgess was part of the Wigan squad that reached the Super League Grand Final, though they fell short against St Helens R.F.C.. His time at Wigan marked some of the best years of his career, and he left a lasting legacy at the club.
Salford Red Devils (2021–2023)
After a successful spell at Wigan, Burgess made the move to Salford Red Devils in 2021. During his time at Salford, Burgess continued to showcase his skills, scoring 16 tries in 21 appearances in the 2022 Super League season. His experience and leadership were invaluable to the Salford squad, though the team struggled to make an impact at the highest level.
Burgess left Salford after the 2023 season, with his performances continuing to be highly regarded across the rugby league community.
Hull Kingston Rovers (2024–Present)
In January 2024, Burgess signed for Hull Kingston Rovers ahead of the 2024 Super League season. This marked a new chapter in his career, as he looked to contribute his experience and finishing ability to a team on the rise. Hull KR was an exciting new challenge for Burgess, and his move was seen as an opportunity for him to help lead the team to greater success.
Joe Burgess International Career
Burgess has also represented England at the international level. He made his debut for the England national rugby league team in 2015, scoring a try in his first appearance. His inclusion in the national squad was a testament to his exceptional performances at the club level.
After a period out of the England squad, Burgess was recalled to the national team in 2025. His return to the international scene was highly anticipated, and it showed that he had retained his top form even after several years in the professional game.
Playing Style & Key Attributes
Joe Burgess is best known for his speed, strength, and finishing ability. Standing at 6’5″, he is a physical presence on the field, capable of winning aerial duels and breaking through defensive lines with his pace. His time as a winger has been marked by his knack for scoring tries and his ability to get on the end of attacking plays.
Burgess has a powerful and direct playing style, often using his size and strength to break tackles and create opportunities for his team. He is also highly versatile, able to adapt to various styles of play and contribute in different attacking systems.
Joe Burgess Family, Spouse & Children
Joe Burgess has kept much of his personal life private, with limited information available about his family, spouse, and children. There is no widely verified record of his marriage or children in the public domain. However, he has been active on social media and in the rugby league community, sharing moments of his career and occasional personal reflections.
Burgess is not related to the famous Burgess brothers (Sam, Tom, and George), who are also prominent figures in the rugby league world. Despite sharing the same surname, Joe Burgess is not part of that family.
Joe Burgess Age, Height & Net Worth
- Age: Joe Burgess was born on 14 October 1994, making him 30 years old in 2025.
- Height: Burgess stands at 1.95 meters (6’5″), giving him a significant advantage in aerial contests.
- Estimated Net Worth: While his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, based on his long career at top clubs in both the Super League and NRL, it is estimated that his net worth is between £1 million and £2 million (GBP). This figure includes earnings from his professional contracts, endorsements, and potential business ventures post‑retirement.
Joe Burgess Injuries and Challenges
As with many professional athletes, Joe Burgess has faced several injuries throughout his career. These injuries have sometimes limited his availability for key games, but his resilience has allowed him to continue playing at a high level despite setbacks. His biggest injury challenges included a broken jaw and other lower body injuries during his time at Wigan and Salford. Despite these setbacks, Burgess’s determination and work ethic have allowed him to return to form and remain a top-tier player.
Legacy and Impact
Joe Burgess has had a distinguished career in rugby league, with stints in both the Super League and NRL, as well as an international career with England. His try-scoring ability, strength, and leadership have made him one of the most respected wingers in the sport.
Throughout his career, Burgess has been known for his professionalism, resilience, and commitment to the game. His legacy is marked by his time at Wigan Warriors, where he helped the club achieve domestic success, and his international appearances for England. His move to Hull Kingston Rovers in 2024 signifies a new chapter in his career, where he will continue to make an impact on the field.
Conclusion
Joe Burgess is an accomplished rugby league player whose career has been defined by his speed, strength, and try-scoring ability. From his early days at Wigan Warriors to his time in Australia’s NRL and his return to the Super League with Salford and Hull KR, Burgess has shown that he has the resilience and skill to succeed at the highest level. At 30 years old, he still has plenty to offer on the field, and his career is far from over.