Burgess brothers make Australian rugby league history

The Burgess brothers made rugby league history by becoming the first set of four siblings to play for an Australian top-flight side in the same game for more than a century.

Dewsbury-born Sam, Luke and twins Tom and George helped South Sydney beat Wests Tigers to lead the NRL.

"It's something we dreamt of as kids, but we didn't expect it to happen this quickly," said 24-year-old Sam.

Luke, 26, scored his first NRL try and Sam also went over in a 32-18 win.

The brothers were all on the pitch at the final whistle as the hosts moved to the top of the table ahead of Sydney Roosters.

Former Bradford Bulls prop Sam added: "I'm really proud of the family but, to be honest, we've got a great team.

"The team is our family and we've been working extremely hard."

Tom, 21, who completed the set of Sydney-based brothers when he left Bradford at the end of last season, said: "It's a great feeling, being on the field at the end there.

"That last tackle together was great, one to remember for the family."

Mother Julie was invited into the private box of actor Russell Crowe, who is the majority shareholder of the Rabbitohs, to celebrate after the game.

"I'm so overwhelmed," she said. "I couldn't believe it when Luke scored that try. That was the best thing ever."

The Englishmen became the first set of four brothers to line up in the same Australian side for more than a century. Ray, Roy, Rex and Bernard Norman all turned out for the now-defunct Annandale club in 1910.

It was also only the third time that four English players have appeared at a first grade level for the same team in Australia.

Lee Crooks, Des Drummond, Deryck Fox and John Henderson did it for Western Suburbs in 1986, while Ken Ford, Derek Hallas, Mike Jackson and Ivor Lingard played together for Parramatta in 1964.