Inspirational South Sydney Rabbitohs leader Sam Burgess says arch rivals the Sydney Roosters are the benchmark of the NRL after starting the season 3-0.

The Rabbitohs however come into the match on the back of two straight wins including a gritty victory of the rejuvenated Newcastle Knights last weekend.

“We’re happy with the wins and at this stage in the season you need as many as you can,” Burgess said.

“We know as the season goes on it gets tougher and with injuries, suspensions and things, so you need to collect as many wins as you can.

“They (the Roosters) are probably the inform team in the competition. They’re undefeated, so they’re the team at the minute that everyone is looking at.

“They’re the benchmark and they’ve recruited well over the off-season, so it’ll be a great challenge for us.

“We’ve got a few guys out and a few positions floating around this week, but we’ll be looking forward to Thursday night.”

A makeshift Rabbitohs will play Cody Walker at fullback while John Sutton has been shifted into the halves to partner Adam Reynolds.