Widdop: Having Burgess back is massive

England half Gareth Widdop believes his national teammates will feel more confident with having Sam Burgess back in the team.

Burgess is making his return to the international set-up after a season in rugby union. The Rabbitohs star has been named as captain of England.

Widdop said it has been “great having Sam back”.

“Obviously he’s a key member of this squad,” he said.

“For him to come back to England rugby league is massive. I think the boys around him will certainly feel a lot more confident having him back in the squad.

“He’s a great bloke and a good person. I think everyone is really looking forward to playing alongside him.”

England head into the Four Nations with a new coach in Wayne Bennett and the likes of Josh Hodgson and Elliot Whitehead enjoying brilliant debut seasons in the NRL with Canberra.

Widdop believes the pair’s form is another positive.

“Josh and Elliott have also had great seasons and played against a lot of the Aussies and Kiwis over the last year so they know a little bit about them,” he said.

“Being in good form always helps going into tournaments like this. They’re a massive boost for us.”