SCOTT Coleman knew Jeremy Burrell would be the perfect fit for the Hunter Wildfires the instant the coach watched footage of the strapping lock from Melbourne.
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Standing 200cm and clocking the scales at 105 kilograms, Burrell had the frame to be a primary source of possession at the lineout.
What impressed Coleman most, was the 21-year-old's work rate.
It reminded him of another spring-heeled second-rower with an appetite for hard yakka.
Nick Palmer joined Hamilton straight out of school and spent four years at Passmore Oval, earning NSW Country selection, before heading to Sydney club Northern Suburbs and going on to play for the NSW Waratahs.
Burrell has a few years on Palmer, who was affectionately known as Sticksy, and has already represented the Rebels at under-20 level.
"He is very much like Sticksy," Coleman said. "His height, his physique, he is good in the lineout ... he is just a goer. He gets through a lot of the tight stuff that no one sees."
Burrell and No.8 George Noa joined the Wildfires from Melbourne premiers the Melbourne Unicorns.
After spending two weeks in isolation, Burrell has played the past two games off the bench in the top grade and is pushing for a start against Easts at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
"The two-week quarantine didn't concern me too much," Burrell said. "George and I were in the same apartment in Honeysuckle and we had a bit of a view. We watched a lot of Netflix and had a few weights to throw around. Once we got out, we were straight into things.
"My mobility and work rate around the park are probably my strengths. That is what Bubba (Coleman) wants from me. I'm working on my fitness and getting accustomed to the style of game we are playing up here. Hopefully, I can try and crack a starting spot in the next couple of weeks."
Burrell, after completing a environmental science degree in February, had lined up a playing stint in Spain at the end of the year.
While COVID-19 has put an end to to those plans, Burrell didn't hestitate to join the Wildfires.
"I had nothing tying me to Melbourne," Burrell said. "I finished my studies in February and thought this would be perfect. A lot of my family and friends were pushing me to give it a go. It was keen to have a crack at the Shute Shield and thought coming up here would be better than going to Sydney."
Meanwhile, the NHRU will hold it's inaugural life members' luncheon at the Apollo Hotel on Friday.
In the 132-year history of rugby in Newcastle, only 34 have been bestowed life membership.
Of those eight - Ron Robson, John Miner, Keith Hole, Justin Drinkwater, Phil Payne, Brian O'Shea, Andrew Walker, and Brian Rudder - will be at the get together.
They will be joined by NHRU President Bill Clifton who will address the members present with a "State of the Union".
