Sam Burgess' taste of Australian rugby league power and finesse has the England sensation hungrier than ever for his move to the NRL with South Sydney in 2010.

Burgess' first hit-out against Australia didn't quite go to plan as England went down 26-16 in the Four Nations Test in Wigan on Saturday night, but it was enough get the young backrow giant excited about the next stage of his career.

The 20-year-old will link up with the Rabbitohs on a four-year deal at the completion of his Four Nations commitments, and Souths fans will have liked what they saw at DW Stadium.

Burgess scored one try and nearly reeled in a bomb for another while the likes of Kangaroos prop Brett White were left smarting by some bone-crunching defence.

"It was a good taste, I really enjoyed it," Burgess said.

"They're tough to break down... there's not many opportunities to do so much with the ball.

"They're a good strong defensive unit. It's really got me itching to play NRL, and I'm looking forward to next year with Souths."

But first Burgess wants another crack at the Kangaroos in the Four Nations final at Elland Road on November 14.

To do that the host nation must beat New Zealand in Huddersfield next week, though they will have to play much more like they did in the second half when they outscored Australia 16-0 with Burgess and fellow backrower Gareth Ellis getting tries before a late four-pointer to Lee Smith gave England a sniff of a miraculous upset.

"We're naturally disappointed that we lost, but I think we've got some positives to take out of it," Burgess said.

"We've got a lot of hard work to do as a nation, and hopefully we can put it right for next week against the Kiwis.

"I made a few errors, which I was disappointed about.

"I like the physical contact and the Aussie boys do as well.

"It was good to get out there and have a good scrap with them... hopefully we come up against them again."

England coach Tony Smith said his side left itself too much to do in the second half, but admitted the last 40 minutes would be a positive heading into next week.

"There's a big incentive for us," he said.

"We'd love another crack at Australia but we're up against a very, very good team in New Zealand this week and we'll give New Zealand the respect they deserve.

"But there's great incentive at the end of that game."