SAM BURGESS FILMED FOR RUSSELL CROWE

HOLLYWOOD legend Russell Crowe is sending his own film crew to Britain to track England star Sam Burgess.

The Gladiator actor has signed the 20-year-old on a four-year deal for his NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs.

But the rugby league-mad superstar can't wait until Burgess arrives in December and wants virtually his every move recorded until then.

Crowe's crew will follow Burgess throughout England's Four Nations campaign, filming him at home, training and during games.

They will then fly with him to Australia and continue the shooting for a few weeks as he settles in.

Former Bradford Bulls forward Burgess said: "It just shows how thoughtful he is. He said a documentary might be broadcast in Australia but even if it isn't, he said he wants me to have something I can look back on in a few years and show my kids.

"It has been nice to meet someone who's so famous and experienced but also such a genuine bloke.

"He's got an aura about him and when I took my mum to meet him she was over the moon and a bit starstruck, but he makes people come out of that quickly and makes you feel comfortable."

Burgess made his international debut at 18, helping Great Britain to a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand in 2007 and is so far unbeaten in six international appearances.

The 6ft 5in, 17st 6lb star, who missed the World Cup through injury, hopes it's a winning record that survives the Four Nations.

England beat France 34-12 on Friday night although the underdogs led 12-4 at half-time.

Burgess admitted: "We know we've got work to do. There was always going to be some rustiness because this is a new team, but we came out strongly in the second half and got the result.

"We have got things to work on in training but I'm sure we can do it. I always believe in any team I play in."

England meet favourites Australia next Saturday in Wigan, with World Cup winners New Zealand their final group opponents in Huddersfield in two weeks' time. But it's the Aussies that Burgess can't wait to mix it with.

He said: "That's the big one for me. I've played against France and New Zealand but never Australia and I'm really looking forward to it.

"There is always a lot of talk about how good the Australians are and I'm excited to see for myself what they are like.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of Aussies wanting to see who this Pom is who's joining them but I don't think I've got anything to prove."

Burgess would, however, like to make controversial Aussie pundit Phil Gould eat his words, after he claimed Super League is little more than "park football." He added: "I think it's quite a rude comment and he mustn't have watched a lot of Super League.

"He'll probably still write us off even if we beat them next Saturday but it would be nice to try and change his mind.

"I'm looking forward to going and playing in Australia but, first, I'm very excited about the games with England.

"This is a young, exciting squad and hopefully we can put our mark on international rugby league before I leave."

This article has 0 comments