Australia and Queensland legend Gorden Tallis has heaped praise on England international Sam Burgess by stating he could be the best English import ever to play in the NRL.
Burgess, who has joined South Sydney Rabbitohs (15.00A$ with Sportsbet.com.au to win the NRL title), has only played 20 minutes for his new club, but was part of the NRL All Stars side that lost 16-12 to the NRL Indigenous All Stars last Friday.
Despite only just arriving the 21-year-old is receiving rave reviews from all over Australia with Tallis even suggesting that Englishman would easily walk into the Australian Test side.
Tallis told ABC.net.au: “I don't think there's been a front rower in the game at 21 where he is at the moment who can play front row, back row and even lock.
"I'll go out on a limb and say he'll probably be the best Pommie forward to come out here and if not, certainly one of the best."
Burgess caught the eye of the Australians last year when he shone for England during their Four Nations campaign and Tallis honestly believes he will gain more respect than his predecessors Phil Lowe, Mal Reilly and Adrian Morley – all who succeeded Down Under.
Tallis added: “I don't think there's any doubt he would walk into the Australian side and that's a huge rap.
"You couldn't say that about too many English players who have come out here."