Burgess eager to silence critics
The likes of Jonah Lomu and Will Carling have questioned whether the former rugby league star is ready to play a leading role the 15-man game's biggest showpiece barely 10 months after changing codes.
But Burgess has a notable supporter in Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, the owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs for whom, in his last act as a rugby league player, he produced a man-of-the-match winning display, complete with a broken cheekbone, as they won Australia's NRL Grand Final.
Burgess, a controversial pick in England coach Stuart Lancaster's final World Cup squad, will aim to make a major impact off the bench when England play their final warm-up match against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.
And the Bath player said Crowe was likely to pay a visit to Twickenham Stadium during the World Cup if he manages to get time off from his day job.
"I've spoken to Russell quite a bit," Burgess, picked at centre by England despite being deployed as back-row forward for much of his time at Bath, said.
"He just cares for me, which is wonderful, and it's great to have him in my life.
"I think he's working on a movie during our pool game against Australia, but if he's in town he might come across."
As for the critics, Burgess added: "I know some people have said this or that about me. Mainly people who used to play union or coach the game. They are entitled to their opinions and I don't take it personally.
"All I can do is go out there, do my best and try and be the best I can. That was my approach in League and it is in the 15-man game. I have always had huge belief in my ability.
"I've spoken to Will Carling. He got in touch after he made his comments. Will's just passionate about England. He has his opinions and is entitled to them.
"I just think you should never take comments personally. It doesn't affect me as a player, I believe in myself and the people around me.
"I understand it's all part of the process. I knew this kind of thing would come around. I was already well prepared for it.
"As a player I feel ready. I feel like a rugby union player.
"People will always compare my past to what's going on now, whereas I'd rather not do that.
AFP
