Rugby League star Sam Burgess has returned to the sport he loves and is now looking forward to leading England out for the vital Ladbrokes Four Nations clash on November 13 at the London Stadium.
Following his spell in Rugby Union, the 27-year-old forward is back in England colours for the first time since returning to Rugby League.
This is due to the fact he has been named in new head coach Wayne Bennett’s England squad for the Ladbrokes Four Nations tournament.
"I am delighted to be back in the squad. I am proud of everything I have achieved so far in my career but very pleased to be back in Rugby League and back with England," said Burgess.
"We are a strong side and feel that we can make the country proud in this Four Nations.
“I’m back in the sport I love as now representing my country. Rugby League is incredible.
"It's a brilliant sport to see live and I am excited about being back with the boys in London ahead of an important Four Nations series."
England have never won the Four Nations, which this year includes Australia, New Zealand and Scotland and will see the four international sides battle it out across the country.
England play a Test match against France in Avignon on Saturday, October 22, before the Four Nations starts on Friday, October 28.
After facing New Zealand in Huddersfield, England meet Scotland in Coventry on November 5 before they go on to what is billed as the highlight of the tournament.
World Cup holders Australia will face the Red and Whites at the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday, November 13.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs star was appointed as captain for the England side for the entire Four Nations series after Wigan's Sean O'Loughlin was ruled out through injury.
“It’s a childhood dream to be named captain,” said Burgess.
“It only really started to sink in when I told my mum and wife, who were so emotional and happy for me.
“But now, I need to focus on the tournament ahead and make sure that I am a strong leader on, and off, the pitch especially with such great opponents to face.”
Australia beat New Zealand in a comfortable 26-6 Test match victory, making a clear statement of intent ahead of the Four Nations.
Burgess added: “We’ve got to really focus throughout the tournament and realise that the Australian’s pose a real threat.
"Our third game will be the crunch match in the tournament. We need to come out strong in London, get the support of the capital behind us and show what we are more than capable of.
“England v Australia is the biggest match in Rugby League and where better to stage the game than in London, where so many incredible sporting memories have been made in recent years.”
England Rugby League returns to London on Sunday, November 13 with a 2pm kick off.
This will be the first time these two sides have met on home soil since 2013.
Tickets are still available from rugby-league.com/tickets.
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