Wednesday 25 May 2016 19:47, UK
Sam Burgess is confident Ben Te'o has the "strong mentality" required to convince any doubters of his value to English rugby union.
Burgess - whose own switch of codes from the league game lasted just 13 months - acknowledges that there will be sceptics about Leinster's Auckland-born centre Te'o after he was named in England's squad to tour Australia this summer.
Te'o will move to Worcester in the off-season but while his performances are likely to be put under the microscope down under, Burgess is confident the NRL player can make the grade.
"I'm delighted that he's in the squad and I think he's enjoying playing outside Jonny Sexton," he said. "He's been playing some good rugby and we keep in contact - I'm happy for him.
"He's going in there in a good frame of mind and I don't want to put any pressure on him but I'm sure he'll do well.
"He will face scrutiny from the traditional rugby people who don't like too many league converts going over but he's got a strong mentality and he'll give his best for the team.
"It will be fierce against Australia and I'm sure Eddie (Jones) will get them prepped - he has been very bold with who he has picked, especially in the pack, and I'm looking forward to seeing how we go."
