Maguire hails better Burgess

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says Sam Burgess has returned to rugby league a better and more rounded player than when he left.

Burgess had a controversial one-year stint in rugby union.

The Englishman has rejoined the Rabbitohs and helped the Sydney club to back-to-back wins in 2016.

“He’s definitely cracked a few new skills since he’s been away,” Maguire said.

“He’s been a great addition to what we’re doing, you can see it in the offloads. There’s a lot of improvement in Sam’s game. He’s come back in a real good frame of mind about his football.

“He looks at it and he knows there are areas in his game that he wants to improve on. Whether it’s through the defence or attack, he’s come out in form.”

Burgess has set up a few tries in the first few rounds and is averaging 150 metres per game. He made 25 tackles and four line breaks in the win over Newcastle and 23 tackles in the victory against the Roosters.

“Sam’s one that knows consistency is a big key and he wants to improve on the two games he has played.”