WHEN South Sydney first announced all four Burgess brothers from Dewsbury in England were going to be playing together at Australia's most famous club, most of us thought it was just a publicity stunt to keep big Sam happy.

Now we know better.

In just his second year in the NRL, George is already arguably the most damaging front-rower in the game - and while this is Thomas's first season in Australia, he is closing the gap on his twin brother with giant steps.

In last weekend's win over the Gold Coast, Sam, George and Thomas combined for a staggering 472m (George 204, Sam 145, Thomas 123) and the word coming from inside Souths is that it might not be long before big brother Luke is back in the top grade after returning from a shoulder injury last month.

Luke originally suffered the injury during pre-season and was sidelined for six months but his performance for the Bears last weekend was his best since his comeback, scoring two tries in the thumping 64-24 win over Wentworthville.

But given Souths' forwards depth, in particular the front-row, coach Michael Maguire said Luke now just needs to stay patient and his chance would come.

The last time four brothers played first grade rugby league at the top level in Australia was way back in 1910 when Ray, Roy, Rex and Bernard Norman ran out together for Annandale.

Asked Wednesday if we are any chance of seeing the four Burgess boys line up together for Souths this season, Maguire said: "He (Luke) is progressing really well. Obviously he has come off a fairly large injury and he is really starting to push himself into contention with the way he is playing.

"It is competitive up front at the moment so it is a tough job to pick. But if he gets back to the form he is capable of playing he will certainly put himself in contention. Really, it comes down to performance.

"I will select the team on performance and if they are all jelling at the right time then that will come about."

There was some more good news for the Rabbitohs Wednesday when they locked up the Burgess twins to long-term deals by signing George until the end of 2016 and Thomas until the end of 2015.

"I just think it pays tribute to how hard they have worked," Maguire said.

George Burgess

Date of Birth: 21 April 1992

Place of Birth: Dewsbury, England

Position: Prop

Height: 194cm

Weight: 120kg

Junior Club: Dewsbury Moor ARLFC

NRL Games: 19 (all for the Rabbitohs)

NRL Points: 24 points from six tries (all for the Rabbitohs)

NRL Debut: Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs, ANZ Stadium, 2 June 2012 (Rd 13)



Thomas Burgess

Date of Birth: 21 April 1992

Place of Birth: Dewsbury, England

Position: Prop

Height: 196cm

Weight: 120kg

Junior Club: Dewsbury Moor ARLFC

Previous Clubs: Bradford Bulls (2011-12)

First Grade Games: 48 (three NRL games for the Rabbitohs, 45 ESL games for Bradford)

First Grade Points: 16 points (from four tries for Bradford)

First Grade Debut: Bradford vs London, (Rd 8, 2011)

NRL Debut: Rabbitohs vs Eels, ANZ Stadium, 23 June 2013 (Rd 15)