Sam Burgess has suggested that he could not play with "passion and heart" after switching codes to rugby union.
The 26-year-old controversially rejoined NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs last week after spending just one year at Bath.
Burgess switched from rugby league to union in the hope of playing in the World Cup on home soil, but his selection for England caused much debate after the Red Rose failed to get past the group stage.
The former Bradford Bulls player cited the need to be with his family and his love for rugby league as his reasons for returning to Australia.
"It is different training to what I've done in the backline and as a forward in rugby union, so I think it improves me as an athlete all round," Burgess told reporters. "I enjoyed the sport but I think deep down rugby league gave me something different to rugby union.
"It's not a mock of rugby union at all, because I certainly respect what the players go through, but I think personally I just play with passion and heart, so the sooner I got back it was probably the best.
"I was always a league player in union, I don't think that ever changes. I felt really comfortable in the environment, but it's just the perception, how you're portrayed by the media and whatever."
Burgess's mother and brothers live in Australia.
Danielle Joynson
