It was actually Merritt's 5th try

Thought Luke was very good today 2nd most carries in the team and 2nd most metres in the team (fullback was 1st and scored 5 tries), the Australian style of play seems to suit his play and was funny when he put Hayne on his and he didn't like it too much

It seems foolish in cutting short his contract of course in term of our options this year.

But he was never going to stay after this year.

bloodbath's right - Leeds had no choice after this season, but it does seem poor that we didn't manage him better this year (although his attitude may well have been the problem).

Sadly swiftcorn is also right - even his limited exposure to the NRL should mean Burgess is a strong possibility for England at the end of the year.

FWIW I think Graham needs to go right back to basics if he wants to go well in the NRL. I doubt very much that the Bulldogs want a massive, slow moving stand off. What they want is a workaholic prop. He certainly won't be reiled on in the same way as he has been at Sts, so hopefully he won't have to play whilst injured or for ridiculously long stints.

I think Graham going to the Bulldogs is best thing that could happen for him. He needs to get away from carrying the Saints pack or attempting to carry as it is these days. The bloke is shot. He needs a good pre season which SL doesn't offer.

If you ask me it looks like he needs a good long rest.
He just looked absolutely shot on Saturday, as you say, due to carrying the Saints pack all season.

Wouldnt have though Mcbanana wouldnt miss the oppertunity to include Luke and any other eligible player from the NRL as theres been alot of talk about Jack Reed and Chris Heighington's possible inclusion. And if Biffa continues to Rip it up down under he would be a fool not to include him

Grahams definately not had the same impact this year Imo but likes been said he doing it wilst carryin the rest of the pack Mccarthy-scarsbrook could have stopped Ratboy from scoring on saturday but he couldnt rap the ball up im sure he closed his eyes as he went into the tackle as the 3rd man he was pathetic