'Transformed' Rees-Zammit no longer a winger - Bears boss

BRISTOL Bears boss Pat Lam believes Louis Rees-Zammit's second stint in professional rugby will see him flourish as a fullback after his experiences in NFL have completely transformed the way he plays.

- GLEN WILLIAMS

The 24-year-old stunned the rugby world last year by stepping away from the game to pursue a place in the NFL via the International Player Pathway, earning spells with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.

While Rees-Zammit never featured in an NFL game, Lam insists the experience has transformed him physically and made him a nightmare for defenders.

Since signing for Bristol in July after 18 months away from rugby, Rees-Zammit has been carefully managed back to full match fitness.

But Lam says the extra power and balance gained from his time across the Atlantic are already obvious.

"It's made him a more rounded player," Lam said. "He'll beat tackles, he's powerful. I think he fights a long time on his feet. If you take a little snapshot - a look from a closeup [in contact] - you think he's playing the NFL, working his way through the scrimmage line and the defenders. The only thing they haven't got is pads.