Burgess had been in discussions with the Sea Eagles for several months and announced the deal this morning.
The 27-year-old has played 135 NRL and Super League games since 2007 and was a member of the Bunnies’ first premiership winning side in 43-years.
“I’ve had a wonderful time at the South Sydney Rabbitohs and I’d like to thank them for the wonderful memories over the years,” Burgess said.
“I really appreciate them granting me this release. I’m really looking forward to the next few seasons at the Sea Eagles and can’t wait to get stuck in with the boys tomorrow.”
Manly coach Geoff Toovey was looking forward to having Burgess join the squad for the rest of preseason training.
“Luke is really coming into his prime as a front-rower and we’re pleased to have added more experience, power and depth to our forward pack with his late addition to the squad,” he said.
“He’s an experienced footballer and comes with a winning mentality, so I’m sure he’ll fit right in to what we have got going here at the Club already.”
The Rabbitohs have already lost Burgess’ brother Sam ad well as Ben Te’o to union but picked up Glenn Stewart from the Sea Eagles.
Burgess joins fellow Sea Eagles new-comers Feleti Mateo and Willie Mason as the Northern Beaches club looks to cover for the retirement of Jason King and the departures of Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart.
It’s the second big departure of the day for Souths who announced CEO Shane Richardson was leaving to take up a job at the NRL.
Richardson left the reigning premiers after 11 years at the helm and will take up the role of game strategy and development at League Central.