NRL: Monster tackler stamps mark on opposition

South Sydney's Sam Burgess. Photo / Getty Images

Apparently you hear Sam Burgess' Yorkshire accent before you see him, then, when you see him, you wish you had only heard him.

That is the verdict among opposition players and coaches when it comes to going up against the English forward - as the Warriors will today.

Burgess has proven an impressive investment by the Rabbitohs as one of the game's rising stars. Shuddering tackles are his signature party piece. The likes of Fuifui Moimoi, Preston Campbell, Matthew Bell and Mitchell Pearce have all been on the receiving end at different times.

Youtube.com provides some telling evidence. Moimoi is thrown off like lint from the chest of 18-year-old Burgess' English jersey in 2007 while the rest have generally been dispatched from his concrete pillar of a shoulder, backed by a 1.95m, 112kg frame.

Since he embarked on his four-year contract with Souths, only the Broncos - in round 14 - have escaped Burgess' physical presence, when he was recruited home to play for England against France.

His signing has not made the Rabbitohs invincible but they are in with their best chance to make the finals since 2007 when they finished seventh - after also being ninth at this point in the season.

That is the only time they have progressed to the last eight since Russell Crowe took ownership in 2006. In fact, Crowe was instrumental in securing the Burgess deal after having the nous to invite the second-rower and his Mum onto the set of Robin Hood last year during the negotiations.

Rabbitohs skipper Roy Asotasi says the move has been worth it because the 21-year-old has boosted the spirit of the side: "He had an immediate influence. You'd know he was around because he'd be the loudest person in the room. Mind you, you couldn't understand a word he was saying.

"When he turned up he was a raw talent.

"He's been one of our best forwards who trains hard too."

Burgess rates the move for the football and the life experience. "The club has embraced me since I've been here but I've also enjoyed the laidback Sydney lifestyle, especially the beach culture.

"It's definitely been worth the trouble," said Burgess.

The rugby league heritage at the Rabbitohs - a club that won the last of its 20 premierships in 1971 - has had some influence on Burgess too.

"Where we train there is actually a timeline of the club's history and photos of every Souths team. We are reminded of it every day. It's a big part of the club and one of the reasons I signed.

"We have a capable team but it is quite young and inexperienced at times. For instance we've lost five games this season by between one and four points. We need to learn how to close out those tight games.

It is ironic that despite Burgess' monster tackles, defence is an area where the Rabbitohs are vulnerable against the Warriors.

Souths concede the fourth most offloads (13.8) and miss the third most tackles (36.5) a game of any side.

Coach Ivan Cleary says they will not be changing their core game plan, based on defence and set completion, by reverting to a hot potato second-phase style to create gaps.

" I wouldn't exactly call the Rabbitohs easy-beats even if they are out of the top eight. Their big pack with the likes of Burgess, Asotasi and [Dave] Taylor is something we have to be aware of."

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney is more fearful of what Burgess might bring to the park in the Four Nations.

"The prospect is frightening, given we play them first in the Four Nations at Wellington. People saw bits and pieces of Sam during last year's tournament but now we see him week-to-week [in the NRL].

"It has only made him better. He's a devastating ball carrier and creates so many opportunities, especially with a dummy-half like Issac Luke running off him," said Kearney.

"He's also a great athlete for his size. He moves quickly and displays pure aggression, a quality that can sometimes be overlooked. He basically attacks on defence. It means any opposition takes a second look at decisions they make."

Most players would probably rather not look to start with.