Rugby League: 'Savage rugby reaction may send Burgess back to league', says brother Tom

Sam Burgess. Photo / Getty Images.

Tom Burgess believes his brother Sam has been treated unfairly in the wake of the Rugby World Cup, and the savage reaction may push him back to the 13-a-side code.

Sam's future has stolen a lot of headlines over the past week in England, even pushing coverage of the buildup to the first Kiwis test to the side.

The former Rabbitohs forward has become one of the main scapegoats for England's dramatic failure at the World Cup, in the eyes of the media and large sections of the union fan base here.

It's been a ridiculously one sided reaction and has left his future at Bath and with English Rugby in doubt.

Speculation remains that Sam will return to the NRL with the Rabbitohs and younger sibling Tom is convinced that his harsh treatment could be a catalyst for a return.

"It's a big talking point at the moment," said Tom. "[The World Cup] is a big tournament and they are very upset about the outcome so they are going to talk about it for years. Speaking truthfully, he was probably treated a bit unfairly in my opinion and that is probably what is pushing him away at the moment."

Tom has no doubt that his brother's status as a league convert made him an easy target for the rugby media on Fleet Street,

"He's new to Union and that's probably why [he is getting the blame]," said Tom. "In my opinion - I'm no expert on Union - but I don't think he did too much wrong in that World Cup. He's enjoyed where he has been so far and he has enjoyed the experience but he is probably just a bit over some of the stick he has been getting."

Sam watched his brother in action for England last week against France, but is now believed to be having a break outside the UK, with a decision on his future expected in the next two weeks.
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"He's got a week or 10 days off to refresh a bit mentally and he'll assess his options, said Burgess. "He's not made any decisions yet, at the moment he's still with Bath.

Meanwhile, the younger Burgess was one of the standout performers in England 26-12 victory over the Kiwis, making a massive impact off the bench with his characteristic charges and strong defence.

"That's my job," said Burgess. "You have to make an impact when you come on. They had the momentum. We had to stop it, change that a little bit and once we got on the front foot it was down to them to try and stop us. The boys did a good job of keeping it going."

Still, despite England's impressive win, Burgess is wary of the bounce back factor in a Kiwis team contemplating their first defeat in almost 18 months.

"They will get a kick up the arse this week," said Burgess. "Their coach is going to give it too them probably and they will come out firing...that is something we have to think about and be wary of."

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