Burgess backed for big season at the Rabbitohs

Sam Burgess has backed younger brother Tom to have a huge season as the Rabbitohs look to overcome the damage left by his shock retirement.

Tom is now the last Burgess left at South Sydney after his twin brother George also departed the NRL to sign for Wigan Warriors.

Left with the unenviable task of carrying on the Burgess name on his own, Tom is expected to play big minutes this season and has started at prop in both trial games so far.

“Tom can play big minutes – he really can,” Sam told Wide World of Sports.

“The challenge is for the big guys playing in the middle is to be sat enough to make sure they have enough juice in the tank at the end of the year.

“Tom is experienced enough to hold that. We’ll play him big minutes some games and, some games, we will play him less.”

Tom Burgess is a regular starter for England. Credit: Richard Long/News Images

The Rabbitohs will have a new-look pack this season as John Sutton has also retired, leaving Tom as one of the most experienced forwards despite only being 27.

“Tom is Tom. He’s been great for us for a number of years now. He does the job; carries the ball well at the big guys,” Sam continued.

“There probably is a bit more pressure on him this year. He has been around a while now, won a grand final and played 25 tests for England, but he can handle that.”