England rugby league coach Steve McNamara may have unleashed the anger of perhaps the most dangerous of the Burgess clan – mother Julie.
Julie Burgess, who accompanied her four sons to the Dally M awards on Tuesday night, has spoken out about the selection of only three of her sons in England’s squad for the World Cup to begin later this month.
South Sydney’s Sam Burgess and his younger twin brothers and teammates Tom and George were all included by McNamara in a 24-man squad.
But their elder broker Luke, who also plays for the Rabbitohs, wasn’t included, and Julie Burgess said on Wednesday she didn’t understand why.
“As a mum you think you think you would be really excited that three of your sons have been selected,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m really am delighted for Thomas and George. It’s their debut for full internationals and it’s so exciting and a great achievement and it’s amazing that Sam’s coming back but it’s just so disappointing that Luke’s not in there.
“That’s the heartbreak really and I just don’t understand it,” she added.
“It’s a huge disappointment to see his brothers all go back to England and for him to not be a part of that. It’s hard as a mum to know what to say.”
All four brothers played for South Sydney against Wests Tigers in the NRL in August, a feat last accomplished 103 years ago.
McNamara admitted on Tuesday it had been difficult to leave Luke out.
“It’s very tough, I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your three brothers in a World Cup squad and you’re not part of it,” he said.
“But it’s part and parcel of the game and I’m sure Luke understands that.
“It would have been a marketing dream to have had all four but it was based on what I feel is best for performance.
“There are a number of players who are unfortunate not the make the squad. It’s been a difficult selection.”
England, then competing as Great Britain, haven’t won the World Cup since 1972 but Julie Burgess believes the current side can end that barren run.
“With the England squad they have got they are definitely in with a chance,” she said.
“I sadly won’t be over there to watch as I will be in Australia but I’m pretty sure we have a really strong chance of competing against the top sides.”
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I simply posed the question,that it would not happen to that extent in reverse. The facts are the NRL Grand final is the big dance in Sydney town,the publicity by comparison for this guy would suggest otherwise.There is reporting(understandably so) and there is reporting on a grand scale.Any one with 20/20 vision can see it.If it was paid for so be it. Interesting Mascord must have been reading my post,he was of a similar view in the SMH today. Hardly a sign of insecurity.How dare I question the untouchable.
Australian Rules
Guest
That's just insecure conspiracy stuff. When the AFL's biggest player is moving to Sydney (on an uprecedented 9 year deal), the Sydney press will report on it. It really is that simple.
Earl Park
Guest
Wasn't Brian Smith showing her the sights?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I am also commenting AR on over the top exposure in grand final week in Sydney ,just as people are complaining about Burgess' mum over the top exposure (the latter to which I concur). It is the size(emphasis on size) of the coverage here , I draw attention to.If you believe this guy should generate the coverage it has here in the NRL G/F week,then you are looking at it from a southern perspective. . if the same publicity was rendered to SBW going to the Storm in the southern Press in a similar week,the reaction might well be an ämazing coincidence".Especially as it is still not over the line. RL gets that criticism a times when announcements are made or games scheduled around AFL games. It may have well been announced this week but is subject to Vlad and co .going over the books and conceivably could still be knocked on the head.It is not a fait accompli till the fat lady has sung.
Australian Rules
Guest
CC, the reason the Buddy transfer-talk is happening this week is because it was announced...this week...after the AFL GF and just before trade week is about to start. Hardly an "amazing coincidence".
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
In Melbourne and the other states,SBW would not be getting anywhere near the coverage in a G/F week ,whether it be 9 years ,or 5 years. Sydney has a grand final week,and his BF) possible movements, are way down the list of concerns to this city.Yet the local media deems otherwise,just ironic to me. Your last line could not agree more.
Val Tither
Guest
I can't believe what I'm reading here, honestly why is this family getting so much media. What about all the Aussie up and coming young footy players, who these young larrikens are taking positions from, GO BACK TO ENGLAND and whinge over there, we don't need this sort of crap, you all have done pretty well at Australia's expense, now go back home and give something to England if your all so good.
Cleveland Steamer
Guest
He was being sarcastic guys...
The eye
Guest
Haven't heard from Todd Carneys mum for a while..
barfly
Guest
f no that's worse I would rather pour salt into my own eyes then read or listen to channel 9 raving on about SBW...........................
Dylan
Roar Pro
lol
Mac
Guest
Dumb...
Geronimo
Guest
If SBW signed for nine months let alone 9 years it would be a big story - he is going to shop himself round forever...The NRL can sign players anytime up to/ after? June 30 whereas the AFL has a 1 week trading window hence why it is a big story...But hell as we know the AFL dominates the media in this country
Dr Yes
Guest
Dally M awards rightfully picked the "special moment" of the year - a game where all 4 Burgess brothers were selected in the 17. Sam deserves to be rated in the top 30 players and George deserves rookie of the year. Tom might be number 3 prop for Souths. Luke was selected for 5 times this season, of 28 Souths games. 119 mins total playing time for the year. Wouldn't have made the top 3 props in any of 16 NRL teams, and wouldn't have made the top 4 in half of teams. No story to see here... move along, folks.
GW
Roar Pro
She should be proud that any of her children have earned the right to play for their country. I've got two disabled kids, maybe she should shut up.
Pete
Guest
Just wait till grand final day... It will be a SBW'athon!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I'll back you on that one.
Renegade
Guest
Yeah over the burgess stuff however there are at least 3 articles about the GF today.
Renegade
Guest
"Surely the Ron Coote Cup is more valuable than the World Cup" That's a dumb and ignorant comment.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Yeah I am getting sick of the Burgess' mum story( overexposure does that),but from an exposure perspective it offsets the continual Buddy Franklin stories the Sydney media is throwing up.Just an amazing coincidence in the NRL grand final week. Just interesting, noted by more than yours truly. Me I am over both of their stories,but the media will squeeze it for what its worth,and wonder why they lose subscriptions at a rapidly growing rate. I just wonder if SBW signed for the Storm ,the media down South would inundate their followers with the story in their G/F week? Hypothetical of course,so we will never know.