Rabbitohs forwards Sam Burgess and Thomas Burgess have been named in England’s top 17 for Friday night’s opening clash with Australia.
Sam has been named in the second row for his 22nd Test appearance for England and Great Britain, with Thomas named on the interchange bench for his 15th Test match for England.
Both players had strong games against the Combined Affiliated States side last weekend in England’s only warm up match before the tournament, with Sam laying on a couple of tries for support players and Thomas scoring two tries himself, including a 50 metre solo try.
England will take on Australia at AAMI Park this Friday night at 8pm.
The England squad is:
1) Jonny LOMAX
2) Jermaine MCGILLVARY
3) Kallum WATKINS
4) John BATEMAN
5) Ryan HALL
6) Gareth WIDDOP
7) Luke GALE
8) Chris HILL
9) Josh HODGSON
10) James GRAHAM
11) Sam BURGESS
12) Elliott WHITEHEAD
13) Sean O'LOUGHLIN (c)
Interchange
14) Alex WALMSLEY
15) Chris HEIGHINGTON
16) Thomas BURGESS
17) James ROBY
Reserves
18) Ben CURRIE
19) Kevin BROWN
20) Mark PERCIVAL
21) Scott TAYLOR
Coach – Wayne Bennett
