The Wire had tabled an offer for the 29-year-old as part of an overhaul of their middle unit, which was bolstered by confirmation that Manly Sea Eagles’ Toafofoa Sipley is on his way to the club for next year along with Catalans Dragons powerhouse Tevita Pangai Jr.
While Burgess confirmed there was still one more middle-unit signing to be announced – believed to be Wigan Warriors’ Liam Byrne – he hinted that could well be the end of their recruitment in that area of the field after he revealed Kerr had knocked back their advances.
“We couldn’t land Josh – he’s staying over there,” he said.
“He’s a great player and obviously a big guy, but we’re happy with what we’ve recruited.
“We’ve got Tevita coming in and Sipley, and one more to be announced.”
Sipley’s arrival on a two-year deal was confirmed on Monday and with Paul Vaughan departing the club to join York Knights at the end of the year, Burgess believes the 30-year-old will add plenty in his place.
“He’s a big body and has got great character,” he said.
“He’s an experienced player with more than 150 games across the NRL and New South Wales Cup.
“We’re losing a couple of guys through the middle so he’ll add to our team in that respect.
“We’ll see when he gets here – with any guys coming in, there’s always an adjustment culturally, to the conditions and style of play – but we’re looking forward to getting him in.
“He’ll add something to the group for sure.”