Burgess backs Cheika to ‘turn team around’

Superstar rugby recruit Sam Burgess has backed new Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to reverse Australia’s fortunes ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Burgess was presented as a Bath player on Thursday, less than a month after guiding South Sydney to victory in Australia’s rugby league grand final despite having a fractured cheekbone and eye socket.

The 25-year-old hasn’t spoken to Cheika since he was named as Ewen McKenzie’s replacement but did leave a voicemail congratulating him on the Wallabies appointment.

“I think he’s the man for the job and the man that can turn their team around,” Burgess told reporters in Bath.

“For England rugby it’s probably not the greatest news but for Mike himself I’m really happy for him.

“He’s a great guy, he’s very driven and he’s got a great mindset towards the game.

“He’s going to do a great job for Australia.”

Burgess first met Cheika’s brother Paul in 2010 through a mutual Sydney real estate contact.

The code-hopper watched the coach closely during his stint in charge of Super Rugby’s NSW Waratahs.

After deciding to move to Bath, Burgess occasionally met with Cheika to take his mind off the NRL. The pair would chat about rugby with the coach offering tips.

“Even before I met him I liked his mannerisms and the way he dealt with the media and his passion,” Burgess said on Thursday.

“Then once I met him and spoke to him I thought he’s a great coach and I knew he was going to be successful.

“I know what he’s about, I know his standards, I know how driven he is as a guy and I know what he demands from his players.”

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