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George Burgess back at home in the England squad

South Sydney Rabbitohs forward trio, George, Sam and Thomas Burgess are back together in the England squad for the first time since 2016.

Coming off stellar seasons respectively the Burgess brothers are set to lead the line against both France and New Zealand.

It's a big occasion for the brothers and especially for George, who missed the 2017 World Cup after a lean year at Club level.

George's return to the England squad comes off the back of his strong 2018 season performance, which has seen him play some of the best football of his career

Rabbitohs assistant coach Peter Gentle put down to vastly improved preparation.

"He got a full pre-season in and we modified it a touch to suit him, he's worked his backside off all year," said Gentle.

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Throughout the year, George has been commended for his form in the red and green jersey, with many likening it to the performances he showed in 2014, during South Sydney's Premiership triumph.

"I think it was disappointing for George last year when he missed out," Gentle explained.

"But he deserves to be picked this year, they both do."

For Gentle, Rabbitohs' forwards coach, the resurrection of both George and brother Thomas as two of games most damaging forwards, is simply down to hard work, dedication and a new level of leadership and responsibility.

"All the credit goes to the boys, George especially," said Gentle.

"I know 'Cookie' (Damien Cook) definitely looks up to them for what they've done for his game."

"Again, George was there in the pre-season where a lot of the senior players weren't, so, George's leadership role grew in that period, and Tom is a leader in his own right."

For the proud Englishman, it's just rewards for an impeccable season, where he played his part in Souths' Preliminary final run.

Joining George, are brothers Tom and Sam, who have themselves had extremely strong seasons.

Thomas Burgess will notch up his 20th test match for England and brings try-scoring form to the national team, scoring five tries throughout the season.

Sam will once again lead the line alongside an experienced pack, including St George Illawarra Dragons prop James Graham and Wigan Warriors legend Sean O'Loughlin.

With the domestic season done and dusted the Burgess trio are no doubt fired up and ready to take their impressive form into the upcoming test matches, which Gentle has full confidence in them doing so.

"They just need to continue what they've done all season, consistency has been a big part of their year, their best game and their worst game haven't been far apart, if they take that into their rep game I'm sure they will do England proud."

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