Word is that Burgess does not like Madge, Luke leaving had as much to do with his dislike for Madge as wanting the go to NZ. It was an easy get out. Burgess may wait a season or 2 till Madge moves on perhaps taking the Storm job when Bellyache finishes up.

If he can get out of his Bath contract, you'll be seeing Sam Burgess in a Rhinos Shirt

Last weekend Bath played their Englsnd WC guys including Burgess on the bench. This weekend just gone he was missing from the squad altogether. Their line was he was being "rested" even though the other WC guys weren't. Apart from the Wales game he's hardly played any minutes to need a "rest"....sounds suspicious to me.

There is something happening. Negotiations to bring him to Leeds. There are noises from within the club they are trying to make it happen in a big way, and it's not as crazy as some people might think.

If Leeds pull it off, I for one will be very happy.

I was looking forward to Clark pulling on a Leeds shirt, who apparently wanted to be at Leeds, I was quite happy when Westerman didn't happen but both were done deals. I would love Burgess at Leeds, but can't see it. The only thing that may make it happen is the coach/player dynamic at Souths and or lack of cap space with NRL pre season just around the corner. if we got him for 1 or 2 seasons that would be very special.

GH might be trying to sell him on the WCC and a stab at SL domestic honours.

I'm sure you're right. But it's Monday morning and I'm up for a bit of self-delusion

It's not crazy. The main thing for it to happen of course is Sam wanting out, if this is the case then you could easily see him joining us for a year before a return to the NRL. As ever i will believe it when i see it confirmed but it would be great for the club and SL to have him here still in his prime, even for just the one year.

Don't see it happening tbh. Gonna be a major distraction if it does, mind.

If Leeds were to sign Burgess then I think it will cause major distractions but these will all be in the dressing rooms of our main competitors. Burgess added to what is beginning to look a dominant pack would be awesome.

However I too doubt doubt it will happen because of contracts, transfer fee and the player wanting to prove he can make it in Union. But I do hope it happens.

Although I'd love to see him in a Rhinos shirt,he'll probably end up back at the Rabittohs if he returns to Rugby League.

I wonder if, for example, Leeds have agreed with Souths that Sam will play for Leeds for 1 year and we will pay a transfer fee for him, but will be reimbursed that same fee when he moves to Souths....

Their's no doubt he'll end up back in Aus eventually. The question mark would be is it too late for Souths to accommodate him into their 2016 squad.

Leaves a potential 1 year in SL on the table. I'm sure he wouldn't mind having a crack at adding a GF and CC to his NRL GF. Also a chance to play in a WCC after leaving Souths before their WCC....although he got to sit next to Samuel L Jackson at the game.

As for RU. After the way they rushed him into the WC squad I think it's obvious England RU were behind the deal regardless of what the official word from Bath was. Heads are soon to roll for the early exit and Burgess' supporters on the coaching staff look likely to go. Would be foolish of him to stick around hoping they'll soften to him again and even if he made the next WC squad, the northern hemisphere is so far behind the south ATM it won't be a successful tournament.

I was sat with Gary in the Taveners Suit at the Yorkshire game yesterday. My boss asked him when Burgess will be signing, "in a week or 2", was his answer. He is either bored of being asked and gave a tongue in cheek reply, or he was being very open with us. Sadly, a bit too open for it to be true i suspect........... Id love him to take the No. 10 if only for 2016 whilst Souths shuffle their cap.

And he's smart enough to know that well fed rumours can sell season tickets. But it would be great if true, even if only for a season.