SAM Hallas has described Rob Burrow as one of the nicest guys in rugby league as the Bulls prepare for their fund-raising friendly against Leeds.

Sunday’s game at Headingley will be played in front of a sell-out crowd of around 20,000 and is being shown live on Sky Sports.

It promises to be an emotional occasion as the teams take part in Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s testimonial – which is a joint fund-raiser for Burrow and his family since his recent diagnosis with motor neurone disease.

READ MORE: Legends and fans walk for Burrow

Hallas came through the ranks at Leeds before joining the Bulls in 2017 and got to know both players well.

He admits it is still a “massive shock” what has happened with Burrow.

Hallas said: “I was lucky that I got to train and play with Rob when I was at Leeds. He used to teach me everything he knew, even stuff like kicking out at dummy half.

“He had a lot of time for everyone. From the first day you walk into the changing room, he’s there cracking jokes and making you laugh.

“You think what he has done in his career representing Great Britain, winning the Harry Sunderland trophy, winning X amount of Super Leagues and Challenge Cups, but there’s no ego around him. He’s just so down to earth.

“He’s one of the nicest fellas you’ll ever meet in the game and it’s heart-breaking what’s happened to him.”

Hallas, who made four appearances for the Rhinos, is excited by the prospect of being involved in a friendly in front of such a huge audience.

“It’s unheard of for a preseason game, apart from the World Club Challenge,” he added. “It’s testament to these two blokes.

“I don’t think there are too many others who would have got all these people down to watch it and hopefully we can put on a good display on the field.

“Jonesy is another one who is really selfless. He sets standards so high in training.

“I remember wrestling with him and he’d be whispering in your lughole, ‘I’m not going to lose this’. The man’s a different level and he’s been a great servant to Leeds.

“He’s flown under the radar a bit but this is his testimonial. He deserves a massive turn-out as well.”

With just over three weeks to go until the Championship curtain-raiser against London Broncos at the Tetleys Stadium, Hallas can sense the anticipation is building.

“You get Christmas and New Year out the way and suddenly round one of the season seems really close.

“We’re coming up to that London game pretty quickly. We’ve got three friendlies left and as long as we keep improving and bury ourselves every single week, we’ll go all right.”