Back row and loose forward are the same thing in union. The name refers to the two flankers and no8. He's be too short for second row/lock but would be a decent flanker or no8. But there is no way in hell he's going to develop the neccessary skills to be an international class loose forward in one season. Getting to grips with the breakdown will take him a while for a start. The talk is of him playing inside centre, meaning England must be going for a big battering ram centre pairing with him and Manu Tuilangi. Assuming its true and assuming he makes the grade.

Stephen Myler
Kyle Eastmond
Ryan Cross
Sonny Bill Williams
Chris Ashton

You forgot the best of them all. George Ford.
I'm also absolutely sure there will be many in the Southern Hemisphere who could transfer their skills. Mainly though backs. If Sam does well I'm certain it will be in the anticipated inside centre role. The role of the forwards is massively different between the two codes. I wouldn't say its impossible but it is very difficult to succeed in both in the pack. Certainly some of the more heavy props in Union would never succeed in league.

none of whom can tackle or pass.

not gonna name aussies etc just british, M Tuilagi, farrell, Nowell, Haskell, billy vunipola,Ben Morgan, the list goes on, all good rugby players, theres also a lot who wouldnt make it, somebody like Tuilagi would do for me as hulls new centre, he would be a massive hit in league,also think burgess will do well in union,

got way too excited when I logged on to see a 5 page thread entitled Sam Burgess on the Hull forum