Burgess impresses Rabbitohs legend

Tuesday 9th February 2010

South Sydney great Mario Fenech believes new Rabbitohs recruit Sam Burgess will be the next superstar of the NRL.

Fenech took his first in-the-flesh look at the exciting Englishman during Sunday's trial against Manly. Burgess was all class and power during his brief 20-minute stint, scoring a try in Souths' comfortable 42-12 win at Redfern Oval.

"He was only out there for one quarter but he's obviously got all the skills. He's an athlete - what surprised me is his mobility for a big man," said Fenech. "He's a bit like Mark Graham (ex-New Zealand captain), he's not a brute but a big-boned bloke and a great athlete with all the skills."

Fenech added: "My dad used to tell me 'Son, the great players have got intelligence'.

"Sam seems like a really smart kid and a good kid.

"He's obviously got the skills. We're expecting big things from him.

"He says he wants to challenge himself and he's come to the right place because the NRL is the best competition in the world."