Burrell hopes to form fearsome partnership with new Saint North

Luther Burrell says the Saints players don’t mind the huge interest George North and Alex Corbisiero have commanded since their arrival at Franklin’s Gardens.
ALL SMILES - George North was the star attraction in Saints' win over Edinburgh on Friday night (picture by Dave Ikin)ALL SMILES - George North was the star attraction in Saints' win over Edinburgh on Friday night (picture by Dave Ikin)
ALL SMILES - George North was the star attraction in Saints' win over Edinburgh on Friday night (picture by Dave Ikin)

And the former Sale centre is relishing the prospect of playing alongside the Lions stars this season.

North and Corbisiero made their Saints bows on Friday night, coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes in the 24-6 win against Edinburgh.

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Their arrival was greeted with a huge roar from the Gardens faithful, whose excitement has reached fever pitch following the pair’s performances for the Lions in Australia.

Burrell left the pitch as North and Corbisiero entered the fray, but he could feel the buzz around the new arrivals and says it’s great for Saints that they want to be at the club.

“We don’t mind it (the attention North and Corbisiero get),” said Burrell. “They’re Lion kings aren’t they? That’s what we call them. It’s brilliant for the club that they want to be here.

“They’re very down to earth boys and it makes the club that bit better. People want to see players like that and if crowds are coming to watch them, who are we to complain?”

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Edinburgh will have breathed a sigh of relief as Burrell headed for the touchline, as the powerhouse centre was in determined mood throughout.

He also excelled in the win at Bedford seven days earlier and is now eager to team up with Wales wing North to form a fearsome partnership.

Burrell said: “Unfortunately I came off as he came on so hopefully we’ll get that run out together on Friday (in the pre-season game at Leinster) and get that combination going.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out there with him and hopefully running through some defences.”

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