Sam Burgess is feeling the hype building ahead of the Rugby League World Cup and is feeling fresh ahead of his country’s opening clash with Australia.
The English camp is currently preparing in Perth for a warm-up clash with the Combined Affiliated States on Friday at nib Stadium but Burgess can still feel the excitement building back in Sydney.
“There’s certainly a swell building, especially around Sydney, and I think more so out in the country - Darwin, in Brisbane, there’s a lot of games up in Cairns,” said Burgess.
“Being an Englishman there’s a lot of people talking about the World Cup and there’s certainly a swell. I imagine there will be a lot filled stadiums and it’ll be good to see some English fans.
“We’re playing in Sydney early in November against Lebanon and I’m pretty sure there a few ex-pats around Sydney – it’ll be good to get a few of them down to the game.”
After leading the way for the Rabbitohs in the middle of the park for 21 games this season, ultimately being recognized with his third George Piggins award, Sam says the time off before the World Cup has helped him recover from niggling injuries.
The pre-World Cup camp is in full swing 💪@SamBurgess8 tells us about England's preparations, with 12 days until the opener with Australia pic.twitter.com/6fVkFRxT01
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 15, 2017
“The body’s feeling pretty good,” said Burgess.
“To be honest at the back end of the year I was pretty busted up, I had a couple of bumps and bruises, so I dare say I needed the rest.
“I’ve had a few weeks off playing but we’ve been training pretty hard with the Aussie based players. We’ve been training pretty hard and keeping fit so the boys are looking in good shape.
Burgess believes the mood in the English camp is really positive ahead of their opening clash with Australia on Friday 27 October.
“Wayne’s just a great bloke. In the Four Nations last year I was Captain so we had to drive to press conferences every Monday morning and we’d be in the car for four or five hours a day,” said Burgess.
“We got to know each other on a personal level, he’s just a good man. I think he slept half the time as well!
“He’s a genuine bloke. He protects his players, looks after his players and generally loves what he does.”
