Burgess in World Cup contention
South Sydney's 20-year-old forward George Burgess has forced his way into the frame for a World Cup spot but England coach Steve McNamara looks to have lost another promising forward, Warrington's Ben Currie, to Ireland.
Burgess, who moved from Bradford 18 months ago to join older brother Sam at the Rabbitohs, has emerged from the shadow of his famous sibling with a series of blockbusting displays in the opening rounds of Australia's NRL. The young prop represented England Knights last autumn, alongside twin brother Tom, and has caught the eye of McNamara with his performances this year.
"I've watched all of his games and he's playing extremely well," said McNamara at the 2013 World Cup seminar at Old Trafford. "He took some gambles in his career - he decided to leave home and take himself out of his comfort zone - and he's worked extremely hard to put himself in the position he is in now."
He added: "It's brought rewards with the quality of his performances. He's done it in every round so far and, if he continues in that form, he's going to put himself in contention for selection."
McNamara has named a 30-strong training squad from the Super League clubs but will have up to half a dozen NRL-based players to call on from October and will fly out to Australia after the Exiles game in June to bring them up to date with his plans.
Meanwhile, McNamara is waiting to find out if 18-year-old second rower Currie is to switch his allegiance from England.
Currie, who has appeared in Warrington's last eight Super League matches, was invited to join McNamara's elite training squad at their recent get together, along with two other highly-rated youngsters, John Bateman (Bradford) and Stevie Ward (Leeds).
But Currie, who toured Australia with the England Under-18s last year, turned down the invitation as he contemplates joining his Wolves team-mate Tyrone McCarthy in the Ireland camp.
"Ben qualifies for Ireland and England and he has a decision to make," McNamara said. "He's not quite sure at this moment in time what his best opportunity is for this World Cup.
"Ben represented England at 18s and did a great job out in Australia for us last year. He will make some decisions and we'll continue to monitor him."
