Sam Burgess would be an 'unbelievable signing' for Leeds Rhinos, says Kevin Sinfield

Former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield believes Sam Burgess would be an "unbelievable signing" for the Super League club - and says criticism of the England international has been 'unfair'.

The Super League champions have confirmed their interest in the 26-year-old, who has been tipped to cut short his stay in the 15-man code following England's disappointing World Cup campaign.

Bath coach Mike Ford expects him to remain with the Aviva Premiership club, however, and Sinfield, a former England team-mate of Burgess in rugby league, has also suggested he will continue as a rugby union player in a bid to prove himself in the sport.  

Sinfield told Sky Sports News HQ: "I think [he is suited to] both codes. He was a world-class rugby league player and it's great that the Rhinos have been linked with him - he would be an unbelievable signing for the team.

"But I think, probably, Sam has got some unfinished business in rugby union. Only he can make that call. I thought he got a lot of stick during and after the World Cup and a lot of it was unfair.

"Sam will make the right decision for himself and whichever code that is in, I am sure during these coming months he will have a fantastic year."

Sinfield added later: "Sam would be a huge loss to rugby but I'm a rugby league supporter as well and it'd be great to see him back in the game.

"Possibly they don't realise what they've got on their hands at the minute. I'm sure Stuart Lancaster, Andy Farrell and everyone involved with England do. I'm sure Mike Ford at Bath knows what he's got on his hands as well."

Sinfield has just completed his own cross-code switch after joining Yorkshire Carnegie from the Rhinos and is looking forward to playing for the Championship club after enjoying his training sessions so far.

He said: "It's a huge challenge. An opportunity has presented itself and it's probably the biggest challenge of my career.

"To enter a new dressing room, to try and learn a new sport is obviously very demanding. It's been fantastic so far and it's the start of a very long process. I'm not quite sure how long the transition will take, but I'm really looking forward to making my first start and getting out on the field with the boys, just trying to get some game-time under my belt.

"I'd love to have a run this weekend but it may be a little too early yet. But if he (coach Bryan Redpath) was to offer me 20 minutes, I'd snap his hand off."

Redpath was non-committal when asked if Sinfield would make his Union debut against Bedford on Saturday, but did confirm he would play at fly-half when he is ready, while also taking over kicking duties.

"He's fitted in really well," said the former Scotland captain. "I'll analyse training now and see if it's the right thing to put him in this weekend or not. He's available but ultimately it has to be the right thing for him and the team, too.

"We can't put him in just because it's Kev; he needs to be armed with enough ammunition to go into a game and also be able to have an impact and change a game. He'll learn quicker from playing.

"Kev is a link player and his kicking out of hand is good which is a massive plus. He's impressing everyone in terms of how quickly and how easy it is for him to make the transition. If he plays, he'll kick. His goal kicking is second to none."