Burgess gives Souths fans appetiser of what’s to come
By Steve Jancetic, 17 Nov 2009 Steve Jancetic is a Roar Pro
Now we know why Russell Crowe shelled out all those Hollywood dollars to get England tyro Sam Burgess to South Sydney.
If ever there was a performance to prove Burgess was worth every penny of the estimated $500,000 it took to buy out the backrower’s deal with Super League side Bradford, his effort in a losing Four Nations final side was it.
England lost 46-16 at the weekend but it was Burgess – and not just with his two tries – who had the home side on the brink of an amazing upset win when he charged over from short range to give his side a 16-14 lead ten minutes into the second half.
Burgess was creating mayhem all over Saturday night and was arguably the best player on the paddock, not a bad effort for a bloke in a side trounced by 30 points.
“He showed me didn’t he,” said Australia backrower Nathan Hindmarsh, who dared label Burgess’s first-up game against the Kangaroos just over a fortnight ago “quiet.”
“I ran at him with the second last hit-up of the game and he picked me up and drove me.
“He’s got a bit of skill and a bit of footwork and he’s got good toe, it’ll be interesting to see how he goes (in the NRL).”
Burgess’s most stunning play was his 40-metre run to open the scoring after 11 minutes, a blazing effort featuring speed, strength and a pair of dazzling left foot steps which left both Petero Civoniceva and Billy Slater flat on their backs.
It was enough to convince Civoniceva that Burgess was ready to leave his mark on the NRL, despite being just 20 years of age.
“What a weapon, he’s unbelievable,” Civoniceva said.
“I think he’s going to take the NRL by storm.
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Mick from Giralang said | November 17th 2009 @ 5:20am | Report comment
Steve: In my view he was the best forward on Saturday night. His running was impressive but his front-on defence was even better. You’ve to hand it to Russell Crowe, he’s an excellent talent scout. This is my best South’s line-up next season:
1. Wesser
2. Merritt
3. Best
4. Champion
5. Talanoa
6. Sutton
7. Sandow
8. Asotasi
9. Luke
10. Stuart
11. Taylor
12. Burgess
13. Crocker
14. Pettybourne
15. Geddes
16. Ross
17. McPherson/Clarke/Simpson
I may have missed a rising star that the Rabbitohs fans may point out. But this squad has talent across the park and if they are not top four contenders then John Lang should finally give it away.
Paul J said | November 17th 2009 @ 8:21am | Report comment
Mick
Thats a pretty impressive line up, very strong in the forwards.
A lot will come down to the halves and fullback. If sutton can play as well as he did towards the end of last year and Wesser can stay injury free they will be a real chance.
But I think it will come down to Sandow. Great as a rookie in 2008 but struggled with the 2nd year syndrome last year. He’ll need to fire if the bunnies are going to be top 4.
ScottWoodward.me said | November 17th 2009 @ 5:20pm | Report comment
I will cover every team but this is how I see Souths in 2010.
Scott’s Likely Team – South Sydney
1 Rhys Wesser
2 Jaimie Simpson
3 Junior Vaivai/Beau Champion
4 Colin Best
5 Nathan Merrit
6 John Sutton
7 Chris Sandow
8 Dave Taylor
9 Isaac Luke
10 Roy Asotasi
11 Michael Croker
12 Eddy Pettyborn
13 Sam Burgess
Interchange
14 – Luke Stuart
15 – Scott Geddes
16 – Dave Tyrrell
17 – Ben Ross
Scott Says: Lack a talking general as both 6 and 7 are quiet on the field, but boast arguably the best pack of forwards. Sandow is the NRL’s worst defender and coach has to re-invent himself after retirement as head coach.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Ins: David Taylor (Broncos), Ben Ross (Sharks), coach John Lang, Sam Burgess (Bradford, UK Super League)
Outs: David Fa’alogo (UK Super League), Craig Wing (Japanese rugby), Eddie Paea (Sharks NSW Cup), Michael Greenfield (Dragons), coach Jason Taylor (sacked)
Mick from Giralang said | November 18th 2009 @ 7:32am | Report comment
Strong team scott but I like Talanoa…future rep player in my view. Agree about Sandow’s missed tackles but I love his kamikazee style!
ScottWoodward.me said | November 18th 2009 @ 8:52am | Report comment
Half backs are not there for kamazees, they are there to organize and talk to the forwards, and he doesnt do that. I am amazed that he is the only number 7 in the squad out of 29. They are kidding!