South Sydmey coach John Lang says he is excited at the prospect of unleashing David Taylor and Sam Burgess in the Rabbitohs' "Return to Redfern" match against the Manly Sea Eagles.
Since arriving at South Sydney from English Super League giants Bradford, Burgess has been impressive, with Lang hailing the youngster's versatility as a key element in what is shaping as a most imposing forward pack.
Lang said he would be comfortable asking Burgess to play anywhere in the pack, but had earmarked Taylor to fill a place in the second row.
First, however, Taylor will need to prove to his coach he is capable of churning out the minutes required of a backrower in the NRL, with the Queensland State of Origin hopeful reportedly weighing in at in excess of 121kg.
"Both Sam and Dave have been great since they arrived. They have fitted in well and obviously we are hoping they can be a big part of our club this year," Lang said.
"They are two of the best forward prospects in the game. They are big, powerful guys who have plenty of skill as well, so it is exciting to have them in the team together.
"(Taylor) is probably a little over (his ideal weight) but we are more worried about his performance than a number on the scale."
Described by teammates as a "genetic freak" Taylor's weight issues have nothing to do with enjoying the festive season a little too much, but rather with the fact he builds muscle incredibly quickly. For that reason, Taylor was prevented from doing weights altogether at the Brisbane Broncos for much of last season, but it was not until he got his weight down to 117kg towards the end of the year that fans saw the best of the man they call the "Coal Train".
Having missed out on selection for the end-of-season Kangaroo tour with a series of bulldozing performances that lifted Brisbane into its 18th-successive finals series, Taylor was invited to last weekend's Emerging Origin camp, where his weight was again on the agenda. Coach Mal Meninga was adamant Taylor would need to be playing long minutes to be in the frame for Origin selection.
Dan Koch The Australian
