Joe Burgess’ journal entry that came true in fairytale England return
Joe Burgess last represented England in 2015, winning three caps that year against France and New Zealand.
After a fairytale treble-winning season with Hull KR, Joe Burgess has capped off a remarkable personal resurgence by earning his first England call-up in a decade – fulfilling a goal he quietly scribbled in his first-time journal back in pre-season.
The flying winger was just 21 when he last represented his country, earning three caps in 2015, including in the home series against New Zealand.
It’s been a long road since. Burgess spent time in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2016 before returning to Super League with boyhood club Wigan Warriors. He later joined Salford Red Devils but left the club under a cloud at the start of 2024, and then rediscovered top form at Hull KR under head coach Willie Peters.
“I think for a good five or six years, I was losing a bit of hope to play for England again,” revealed Burgess.
“Then I had a good year at Salford, I think it was 2022, and I thought maybe I have a chance.
“The past two years, I’ve really cracked on, changed a few things about my life on and off the pitch, and it’s been so rewarding.”
Rugby league’s Ashes return this Saturday for the first time in 22 years, kicking off at Wembley with a UK-record crowd expected.
For Burgess, the series was a key motivation back in pre-season – one that drove him to help the Robins claim all three major titles in 2025.
“As soon as the Ashes series was getting talked up, I actually wrote at the start of this year – and I’m not usually the type of person to start journals – but one of my goals was to get in the England squad, and it’s weird how it’s worked out,” Burgess smiled.
“When you do things like that – writing it down – and backing it up, it’s like why didn’t I do this six or seven years ago? I’m so grateful.”
The 31-year-old has been in scintillating form, scoring 24 tries in 25 appearances across all competitions this season. He’ll now compete with Wakefield Trinity’s Tom Johnstone and Newcastle Knights’ Dom Young for the two wing spots to face the Kangaroos.
“This is the best year of my career,” Burgess admitted. “It’s going a million miles an hour at the minute. It’s been nuts. I’ve had good years, but this is the most consistent I’ve been from start to finish.”
Kevin Walters has already confirmed his Australia side, including four debutants. Brisbane Broncos superstar Reece Walsh will win his first cap at full-back, picked ahead of Penrith Panthers’ Dylan Edwards, and he will be joined by fellow first-timers Gehamat Shibasaki, Keaon Koloamatangi and former Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Burgess will also come up against his club coach Peters across the three-Test series, who joined Australia’s coaching staff for the first time ahead of the Ashes.