 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |
The 77 times capped Wallaby is the Falcons' second big name signing of the summer - Welsh international Colin Charvis having recently arrived at Kingston Park - and underlines the North-East England club's ambition to become a major player in Europe this coming season.
A prolific points scorer, Burke will bring much needed goal kicking backup to Kingston Park with the continued absence of England outhalf Johnny Wilkinson through injury. Neither Newcastle nor Wilkinson himself have given any indication as to whether he will be fit to play at the beginning of the season.
Burke, however, is not merely a goal-kicker - he is Australia's fourth all-time try scorer with 29 tries - and he is something of a utility back, being able to play in several positions which should be of immense benefit to the Falcons throughout the season.
The Falcons' only previous appearance in the Heineken Cup came in the 2001 / 02 season finishing bottom of their pool behind Leinster, Toulouse and Newport. Such signings as Burke and Charvis would indicate that the Falcons are expecting better things when they return to the European rugby arena this October.
