SAM Burgess will realise a childhood dream when he steps up out as England captain for the first time in tomorrow’s Four Nations opener against New Zealand.

The former Bulls star will take centre stage on his first England appearance in the 13-man code since the 2013 World Cup semi-final loss to the Kiwis.

He will do so inspired by another Bradford legend in Jamie Peacock, whose glittering career saw him win a record nine Super League titles and plenty more besides.

As he looked forward to pulling on the white jersey again in the 13-man code, Burgess could not help but look back at Peacock’s influence during his formative years.

The South Sydney star, whose Bulls debut came against Peacock and Leeds at Headingley in 2006, said: “I have been very fortunate in playing for some great captains, but the first one that springs to mind is JP.

“I have been a massive fan of Jamie's since I was a young kid.

“I made my debut for Bradford against Jamie at Leeds and made my Great Britain debut with Jamie against the Kiwis so it is funny we keep popping up against each other.

“I am now England captain and he is our team manager, so we always seem aligned in our careers.

“I have a lot of respect for him and learnt a lot from him and Adrian Morley.

“Over in Australia I’ve had some great leaders and been fortunate to meet some great people along the way.”

Burgess will be back on familiar territory tomorrow as he made his try-scoring international bow for Great Britain at Huddersfield in a 20-14 win over the Kiwis in 2007.

Burgess was 18 years old then and fast emerging as one of the best young players in the world for his performances at Bradford.

On his debut, there were a couple of huge hits on Fuifui Moimoi, one of which saw him placed on report.

Burgess said: “I did not know it was going to happen, but I got in front of someone and it looked quite good.

“It feels like two mins ago but it is nine years ago, it is crazy. I know I felt nerves and emotion before the game but I was comfortable on the field surrounded by some great men in JP, Adrian Morley, Gareth Ellis and Terry Newton.

“Those wonderful players made it easier for me and now I can pass on that same experience to some of the young guys playing their first tournament.”

Burgess has never lost sight of his roots and the 27-year-old added: “Playing at Dewsbury Moor, there is an honours board as you go in with players who have gone on to represent Super League clubs.

“I always dreamed on being put on that board, of representing a Super League club, never mind captaining my country.

“You do not think that’s going to ever happen but to be given the captaincy is a real honour and something I will do with pride and give it everything.

“I will be over the moon to sing the anthem loud and proud and get stuck in.

“It has been a whirlwind few years for me and I’ve learnt different thing, but being captain is not really going to change me or things I bring to the team.

“What is really important is performing for my team-mates and coach.

“Externally, George and Tom are probably more excited than me but internally I’m probably more excited. I use it in certain way. My mum is over the moon, my older brother and whole family.”