New coach Wayne Bennett has capped Sam Burgess’ return to rugby league by handing him the England captaincy ahead of the Four Nations Series.
The announcement was made by Bennett at a press conference at the team’s hotel in London on Monday.
The 27-year-old South Sydney forward has been chosen, ahead of Canterbury skipper James Graham, as the successor to Wigan forward Sean O’Loughlin, who was last week ruled out of the Four Nations through injury.
“Sam will be our captain,” Bennett said.
“He leads from the front.”
Graham is set to lead England in Saturday’s international against France in Avignon because Burgess still has to serve a one-match ban carried over from the NRL season, but he will be back to captain his country for the first time in their opening Four Nations clash with New Zealand at Huddersfield a week later.
Burgess, who led the Rabbitohs this year when Greg Inglis was absent through injury or representative duty, has long been touted as a future England captain and will provide them with a public relations coup.
The appointment of Burgess, who is joined in England’s 24-man squad by his twin brothers George and Tom, comes less than 12 months since he returned to rugby league following an ill-fated spell in rugby union.
Burgess, a big-money buy for Bath, spent 11 months in the 15-man code but won five caps for England under Stuart Lancaster before cutting short his stay and returning to Souths on a three-year deal.
“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be asked to captain my country and lead this group,” said Burgess.
“My mum got a bit emotional.
“I want to thank Wayne for having the trust and belief that I can do the job and I am determined to do my best for this team.
“Although I am captain on the field for this tournament, there are a group of leaders in this squad and I know that we will work together and as hard as possible to try to achieve success on the pitch for England.”
He becomes the seventh captain of the national side in the past decade, during which time Australia have had two men – Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith – in charge.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
?Cheers Dutski
Fred
Guest
Has anyone seen the Scotland team? Without getting into a debate about the use of heritage players, what do you think of their team? I've heard a few people say on paper they're the strongest '4th team' for a long while. A good mix of quality Super League and NRL players (including, crucially, in their spine). I can't wait for this tournament!
Big Willy TBU
Guest
Correct decision - Sam at his inspirational best is a match winner. But surely the Kiwis with so much more NRL experience will be the ones most likely to upset the Kangaroos. Their loss last weekend was down to some uncharacteristic errors by players renowned for their brilliance like SKD - he won't play that badly again.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Absolutely nothing to do with your comment or this article, but I have to say OB you have the best name. Every time I read it I start singing songs from the Dead Man's Party album in my head.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Gunna be fascinating to see how Meninga rotates his troops in the lead up games , and who stands up and gives the vodka cruiser twins a nudge.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
You'd have to think that the way New Zealand threatened Australia's right edge the other night would give England some confidence. New Zealand were woeful in many aspects of that match and deserved the loss but there were some good signs, I felt, for England to target against Australia. If Thundercat Hall gets on a roll and follows Nightcrawler Watkins, anything can happen!
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Amen.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Congratulations Sammy. Well deserved. I bet this feels sweet after having your face broken by Graham.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
For the good of the code, I hope England win.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yeah the poms look good to give the Kangaroos a go. Should be close especially over there. That is what this 4 nations comp needs and the Kangaroos being dominant (as usual) is the same as the RU farst with the 'All Blacks' which I won't watch and the RL.so called internationals is the same also. We need some competition in these teams and notr just one team dominating.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
I've got a sneaking suspicion we might be seeing an Aussie V Poms final this time around. The kiwis had nothing on Saturday night, and appeared to try to get a bit grubby in the early part of the second half ,rather than playing footy. The Poms on the other hand have the old fox in their corner , and big Sammy will motor for the full eighty with the captains cape on. Should be an interesting comp.