WIGAN’s in-form winger Joe Burgess says he enjoyed his first time with England last year in the Four Nations but is after an international debut against the New Zealand.
Burgess was part of the 2014 Four Nations squad but did not play a game down under, with Ryan Hall and Josh Charnley preferred on the flanks for all three matches. But the 20-year old flyer, who has been one of Super League’s try-scorers this year, is eager to gain his first England cap in the Kiwi series coming up in November.
“That’s something I want to be involved in,” Burgess said.
“I was there last year and we came so close. It was good for the experience but no one wants to go and not play. I really want to play so hopefully I will get my chance this year.”
After a slow start Burgess has been outstanding this season, scoring 23 tries and setting up 13. He has busted 68 tackles and made 2723 metres this year, helping the Warriors to a second-place finish in the league. In just 47 Super League games over three years the Wigan academy product has crossed for 41 tries.
Last week Burgess was named in the 2015 Dream Team along with Huddersfield’s Jermaine McGillvary. He admits wasn’t expecting to be picked in the special side.
“It’s my wingers [Wigan’s] who are always challenging for it,” Burgess said.
“I didn’t really think about it too much. Until the past few weeks people kept asking me if I thought I would get in it. I didn’t really think anything of it to be honest but I’m quite happy with this achievement.”
Burgess is off soon to join the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. He has signed with the Roosters, who have England head coach Steve McNamara on staff as an assistant coach, on a three-year deal. Burgess said when he was growing up playing in the NRL and testing himself was always a goal.
“When I was younger it was always something I wanted to do,” he said.
“You can’t turn down an offer from a club like the Roosters. But I’ve not really thought about it too much, I’ve just concentrated on what I’m doing here now. When I finally do get on the plan to go I’m all on the Sydney Roosters, but for now, I’m not thinking about too much about it.”
