Burgess: Real handful

I've got to look forward now. I've taken a lot of confidence from this tournament.

Sam Burgess

Sam Burgess took the plaudits after his outstanding performance in England's 46-16 loss to Australia in the Gillette Four Nations Final.

The 20-year-old rookie scored two tries for the hosts on his farewell performance for Tony Smith's team, and will now disappear from these shores after signing a four-year deal with NRL side South Sydney.

The former Bradford forward looks certain to be a big hit Down Under though as the Kangaroos lined up to offer rave reviews after the Elland Road finale.

"He's a great player," said Australia full-back Billy Slater, who fell for Burgess' dummy in the build-up to the game's first try.

"We all know the successful transition that Gareth Ellis enjoyed and Sam Burgess is going to be just as good if not better.

"He's a monster of a lad but he's got some good feet under him and some ball skills as well so he's not just a bash-it sort of guy.

Maturity

"I'm sure South Sydney are really looking forward to him coming out there."

'Roos hooker Cameron Smith added: "He's a really good player. He's only a young guy but he plays with the maturity of a 28-year-old.

"He's got really good skills. He runs the ball hard, he's got good feet and he hurt us a couple of times. He'll play well in the NRL."

Burgess admitted the defeat left him with mixed emotions.

"It was my last game in England for a couple of years, which is a bit gutting because my family is over here," he said.

"I've got to look forward now. I've taken a lot of confidence from this tournament.

"My sole goal for this game was to do my bit for the team and hopefully get the win. I played okay but we didn't get the result and that's what we're here for.

"We're bitterly disappointed. We worked hard for five weeks and had a lot of belief."