Widely regarded as a player tipped to become a Super League regular in years to come, Burnett had a rapid rise to prominence as one of Hull's strongest performers at the start of his first major season in the side back in 2009.
That form helped him earn a new three-year deal with the Black and Whites. However, the youngster's chances have been limited since then, in a second row that also boasts star forwards Danny Tickle, Willie Manu, Epalahame Lauaki, Craig Fitzgibbon and Joe Westerman.
That's enabled Quins to swoop for Burnett who will prove to a very useful addition to the squad in 2011, as he looks to continue his development with regular first team football in Super League and hopefully follow the success of a similar loan move for Leeds' Ben Jones-Bishop last season.
"Mike is a player I have seen play frequently over the last few years for hull at reserve and first grade and with Sheffield Eagles in the championship," said Rob Powell, Head Coach for Harlequins RL.
"He has always impressed me. He has a lot of strike with the ball and is a solid defender. He has had limited first team action due to Hull's wealth of talent in the back row, however, I know he is hungry for the opportunity and has the mentality and tools to excel down here."
Bernett added: "I'm really excited about it and looking forward to the move. It will be a good test for me playing regularly at Super League level and a good opportunity for me to develop my game.
"Playing at a higher intensity with Quins RL will help me improve my game and hopefully then I can come back to Hull and stake a claim for a regular place in the side.
"I spoke to Rich and he felt it was a good move for me to give me more first-team opportunities, test myself and help improve my all round game which should help me in the long run.
"Moving to London will be interesting and I can't wait to get started, show them what I can do and earn myself a regular place down there.
"I have spoke to Rob Powell and he seems like a good bloke. A lot of people speak highly of him. I spoke to Will Sharp and he says he's a good coach and I'm looking forward to learning from him.
"It's going to be a good challenge for me, I think the Stoop is a decent place to play and I want to test myself and I think I can do that at Quins RL."
Weighing in at 87kg (13st 9Ilbs) and standing 180cm tall (5ft 10ins), combined with a powerful running style and handy offload it's hoped Burnett will be a big hit in 2011.
