A renowned sports psychologist who first worked with Wayne Bennett more than four decades ago has praised Sam Burgess as a "great leader" after the master coach threw his support behind South Sydney's captain.

Dr Phil Jauncey, who has shadowed Bennett during both his stints at the Broncos and later at the Dragons and Knights, was an onlooker at Rabbitohs training on Thursday before the club's do-or-die clash against Manly at ANZ Stadium.

While most focus was on Hollywood star and owner Russell Crowe watching training from high in the Redfern Oval stand, Bennett's ground work included having Jauncey on hand to casually talk to players before their season goes on the line on Friday night.

Jauncey's resume makes for impressive reading. He is well known in cricket circles, having acted as a consultant to the Australian team in its heyday during the early- to mid-2000s and more recently worked with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He also had stints with the Brisbane Lions in the AFL, in tennis with Australia's Davis Cup squad and at three Olympic Games.