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Europe

Burgess brothers in England's rugby league World Cup squad

By AFP
Published | Updated
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England's Sam Burgess (left) evades a tackle from Australia's Johnathan Thurston during a rugby league international at Elland Road, northern England, on November 14, 2009 (AFP/File)

London (AFP) – Brothers Sam, George and Tom Burgess were all included in England's 24-man World Cup squad announced Tuesday.

But there was no place for all four Burgess brothers, with former Leeds prop Luke missing out on selection by England coach Steve McNamara.

In August, all four brothers played in the same South Sydney Rabbitohs side that took part in an Australian National Rugby League match, a feat last accomplished 103 years ago in the competition, as Wests Tigers were beaten 32-18.

Twins George and Tom, 21, were the only uncapped players named in a squad that will be captained by Leeds' Kevin Sinfield.

While both Sam and George were widely tipped to make it into the squad, the inclusion of Tom -- who like his brothers made his name with English Super League side Bradford in their native Yorkshire -- was a surprise.

Tom Burgess has effectively replaced Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree, the most notable omission in the squad.

England, who will be looking to win their first World Cup since 1972 when they competed as Great Britain, are the main hosts of this year's tournament, which starts later this month.

"After three years of excellent preparation and the success of the England elite training programme during that period, we are ready for the Rugby League World Cup 2013," McNamara said Tuesday.

"We are fully aware that the Rugby League World Cup 2013 will be fiercely contested and that this squad will need to work extremely hard and play to a very high level to win the tournament and we believe we have selected a squad capable of doing just that.

"As we have seen in previous tournaments, we will need all members of the squad ready to step up and make vital contributions and we feel that all 24 players have the ability to do that.

"To have a World Cup on home soil is a massive opportunity for the sport and I hope the public will turn up in their numbers and show their support for England."

England will hold a pre-tournament training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa, with the majority of the squad travelling on Wednesday while players involved in Saturday's Super League Grand Final between Wigan and Warrington joining up on Monday.

England have a warm-up game against Italy at Salford near Manchester on Saturday, October 19, a week before their opening match against Australia in Cardiff.

Defending champions New Zealand will look to retain the title they won five years ago after a shock 34-20 win over then hosts Australia in the final at Brisbane.

Squad

Carl Ablett (Leeds), Tom Briscoe (Hull), George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess (all South Sydney/AUS), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Castleford), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Liam Farrell (Wigan), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs/AUS), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Zak Hardaker (Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Gareth Hock (Widnes), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds, capt), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne/AUS)