Kangaroos powerhouse Sam Thaiday says he wouldn't trade backrow partners Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis for anyone as the trio prepare to go up against the two men rated the best in the world, England pair Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis.

In what shapes as absorbing duel on either side of the ruck, Thaiday said the Australians were ready to meet fire with fire in a bid to minimise the impact of the two English stars in Sunday's Four Nations match at AAMI Park.

While Thaiday admitted Burgess and Ellis deserved every plaudit they received after dominant seasons in the NRL, the Brisbane backrower claimed Gallen and Lewis were just as worthy of praise.

"I'm happy I'm going into battle with Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis by my side - you talk about great second rowers and great players and those blokes have played great for their club this year," Thaiday said.

"I'm looking forward to the second row battle - Ellis and Burgess versus me, Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen."

Such is their impact on the game the winners of those one-on-one battles will go a long way toward securing victory for their respective teams, with Lewis adamant the Australians are anticipating nothing but the best from the inspirational pair.

"I'm expecting from Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis two man of the match performances," Lewis said.

"I think they're carrying a bit of expectation from playing in the NRL on their shoulders.

"They've been playing great footy all year - I don't expect too much to change there."

Burgess announced himself on the world stage with a breathtaking display in last year's Four Nations final loss to the Australians, when he left Kangaroos defenders sprawling all over Elland Road with a series of powerful runs and crushing tackles.

But he may want to avoid aiming too many big hits the way of Thaiday after the Dally M second rower of the year claimed he fed off big impacts to get himself into a contest.

Thaiday said his relaxed pre-game approach sometimes carried over onto the field and even admitted to earning the ire of Broncos coach Ivan Henjak over his dressing room antics.

"I got in trouble once for having too much fun before a game because I was dragging other people into my fun," Thaiday said of an incident before an NRL game last year.

"Ivan got up me - I had a tennis ball and I was throwing it against the wall and it was one of the younger fellas I think and they didn't play that well.

"(Everyone) asks me if I listen to heavy metal music or bang my head against a locker before I go out - I'm totally the opposite, I could have a sleep before a game.

"I like to relax as much as I can but then as soon as I get on the field I know it's time to go to work and I fire up then.

"I'm a bit weird in that sometimes it almost takes a big hit for me or getting a big hit put on me to really get me going."

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