George Burgess: ‘They thought I should leave NRL to Sam’

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GEORGE Burgess is only here because of his brother.

Remember thinking that? Back four years when big Sammy was taking the NRL by storm and, seemingly to appease him, Souths shipped the first of three little siblings across the pond for company.

And in unison, the league world cooed.

Thinking it wonderful a young Burgess might get himself a Bunnies tracksuit. Maybe some minutes in NSW Cup. Hell, give them all bit parts in the next Russell Crowe flick if it keeps the marquee Englishman happy.

"And I remember those perceptions, yeah,'' George grins, sitting outside Coogee surf club.

Sam, Luke and George Burgess during warm up for South Sydney training. Source: News Corp Australia

"Even back in England, when my signing was announced, plenty said I wouldn't do any good. Thought I should stay home, leave the NRL to my brother. But it's always been my goal to prove them wrong."

Call it the Ballad of Gorgeous George Burgess.

The driving force behind these 120kg of Yorkshire muscle who, for as long as anyone can remember, has not only been the younger Burgess, but the worst Burgess. See, while Slammin' Sam was a footballing colossus from the moment he first lifted a footy, young George took longer. Developed later.

"Still for years," he shrugs, "everyone compared me to Sam."

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And you can guess what happened then, right?

"Growing up, I always told myself, 'Well, Sam, he's just your brother','' the 22-year-old continues.

"I thought that if he could do something, so could I.

"Even now, that remains my mindset. I believe I can achieve what Sam has ... even more."

George Burgess is ready to tackle preconceptions he can't stand up to Sam. Source: News Corp Australia

And here, folks, is that moment in a yarn where you pause momentarily to digest what was just said. Specifically, that Slammin' Sammy Burgess — he of the headlines, the X-Factor girlfriends and epic World Cup performances — may not finish up the best Burgess brother to play Down Under.

Indeed, with the 25-year-old switching to English rugby from 2015, George suddenly looms as not only the new figurehead of Burgess Inc, but one of the true heavyweight enforcers of the NRL.

STATS EXPOSE TACKLE CRACKDOWN AS A FARCE

According to Fox Sports Statistics, George has stormed past big brother over the past month. Since round 8, the worst Burgess has averaged a staggering 177m per game — up 31m on Sam — while also making twice the tackle busts (18) and linebreaks (2).

In the same period, he has also earned eight Dally M points, while conceding fewer penalties and making fewer errors than Sam.

Sam Burgess's switch to rugby is a loss for South Sydney, the NRL — and his brothers. Source: News Corp Australia

It is a remarkable rise for the fella who, only last year, was the Dally M Rookie. A footballer who, far from just boasting the most hyped selfie in league history, is now the scalp every enforcer worth his neck tattoo is gunning for.

Unthinkable at the start of the year, taking on Burgess Inc is quickly becoming a sports fad to rival Tae Bo or hula hoops. Manly, Wests Tigers, even Gold Coast, made clear their intentions to bring down the brothers Grimm.

"But I don't read into that,'' George shrugs of the target on his chest.

"Clubs don't try to single out one or two players. That's just media talk."

George Burgess says he's ready to step out of big brother Sam's shadow. Source: News Corp Australia

But George, it isn't. And you know it.

"I don't think they're targeting us individually,'' he says.

"Well, not really". So not really or not at all? "Ah,'' he laughs, "I dunno."

Which in translation means this: you know they're targeting us and I know they're targeting us.

But if you think a rugby league enforcer is going to whinge, whine or even give the slightest indication he gives a red fire truck — pal, you're kidding yourself. What George will talk about, however, is the rugby defection of big brother Sam. A move, he concedes, which hurt him.

"Oh, for sure,'' he says. "Because that bond we have as brothers — especially after Dad passed — we probably thought we'd play together forever.

The tight-knit Burgess brothers with mum Julie. Source: News Limited

"I remember we were still in England, just after the World Cup, when Sam told me he was going.

"I always knew rugby was his goal and, while it would've been nice to play together forever, we are still four individuals."

And this, remember, is the Ballad of Gorgeous George. The youngster who, back in 2010, was watching on from England while big brother, aged only 21, tore the Aussies apart.

"And his efforts weren't just an inspiration for me, but all English players,'' George says.

"Sam broke down the perception about NRL footy being too hard for younger Pommies. He proved it's not only about the Aussies. That we don't have to stay home. I'm only here because of my brother."

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