SAM Burgess’ enforced lay-off following surgery on a fractured cheekbone could prove a blessing in disguise, according to Bath’s first-team coach Darren Edwards.

Burgess, who is due to arrive at the Rec later this month to begin his three-year contract with Bath, sustained the injury in the opening seconds of Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, in which his South Sydney side beat Canterbury Bulldogs.

Burgess stayed on throughout to guide his side to the title, but he then required surgery to repair fractures in his cheekbone and eye socket.

That is likely to put back his first appearance in a Bath shirt, but Edwards says that may not necessarily be a bad thing in the long run.

“Sam suffered the injury and we’ve got to look at what that’s given us,’’ said Edwards. “It gives him time to rest because he’s had a hard season in Australia but it will allow us to work on the technical aspects of rugby union with him.

“We don’t have to rush things, it gives us time to take him through.’’

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