League: Moimoi eyes Burgess re-match

Kiwis prop Fuifui Moimoi was on the receiving end of Sam Burgess bell-ringer back in 2007. Photo / Getty Images

MANCHESTER - New Zealand prop FuiFui Moimoi has warned of his rematch with England youngster Sam Burgess this Sunday (NZT): "If he's there ... it'll be on".

South Sydney-bound Burgess's 2007 bell-ringer hit on Moimoi at the venue for this week's Four Nations final qualifier, Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium, has become an online blockbuster, attracting 214,293 Youtube viewers at the time of writing.

And although they will face up in the NRL next season, Burgess and Moimoi have not opposed each other since.

"I'm not going to go after him next week, I'm going to do what's best for the team," Parramatta's Moimoi said. "And if he's there, I'll let you know. It'll be on.

"He's a good player, a big young player but I'm ready to play."

Bradford's Burgess said he would be keeping a lookout for retribution - from the whole Kiwis side.

"I think every team is looking to get that big hit on... I'll be aware of it, I'll be watching myself," Burgess said.

"My cousin phoned me up and said `have you seen this on Youtube?' I've watched it the first time and I've watched it a few other times with my mates.

"I look back and go `geez, how did I do it?' It's just one of those freak moments that happen. Don't be expecting it every time! It's on Youtube so it's gone down in a bit of history for myself."

Former Tongan international Moimoi admitted he was disappointed with his first-up Four Nations effort against Australia and had attempted to make his presence felt yesterday against France.

That certainly happened when French lock Jamal Fakir was left in a heap after trying to tackle Moimoi but Les Chanticleers lifted during the keenly contested first half and Moimoi was the victim of some full-bodied shots as well.

"Last week I was a bit disappointed at my game," Moimoi said. "I tried to lift this week and I'll probably try to lift further next week because it's going to be hard."

New Zealand have to name a side by Thursday with centre Steve Matai (eye) and forwards Bronson Harrison and Jeff Lima (both calf injuries) in doubt. They eschewed a recovery session in Toulouse, preferring to have a light swim the morning after their arrival in Leeds.

Burgess, meanwhile, said he had held preliminary talks with coach John Lang over what role he would play at the Rabbitohs next season. Souths have signed two other props, Ben Ross and Dave Taylor, and already boast injured former Kiwis captain Roy Asotasi in the front row.

"I spoke to John Lang the other day and I said `there's so many great front rowers there, I'm happy to play anywhere'," Burgess said.

- NZPA