Sam Burgess has been named England's Four Nations captain – but according to at least one teammate it was a mere formality.

With incumbent Sean O'Loughlin unavailable through injury, new coach Wayne Bennett named South Sydney's Burgess over Canterbury's James Graham during a media conference in Central London for the tournament also involving Australia, New Zealand and Scotland which kicks off on October 28.

Kissed and made up: James Graham tackles Sam Burgess. Credit:Getty Images

But according to Hull's Scott Taylor, set to make his Test debut this Saturday night against France, "It was known, to be honest.

"He has that presence, he has that talk, he's obviously one of the best players in the world and he's been a leader since that first minute of walking through the door.