He's having to prove himself now and only got the chance because of injuries. Everyone expected him to play NSW cup all year and maybe make a push next year but what he has done is take the opportunity given to him with 2 hands and as of yet, hasn't looked back.

As of yet I havent seen the game but did he play 1 big 40 minute spell again with the HT break in between? Thats how he has been used to date and it seems to be working well for him.

He was playing well for Leeds before he got dropped.

It certainly does.

Any English player exposed to the standards of the NRL each week ought to be an automatic choice in the international side. The more the merrier.

It works for NZ.

Indeed he was. Averaging 112 metres a game before his injury and was never really picked again. Look at Ouzo's spreadsheet and by his reckoning Burgess was our best prop this season.

Came on after about 25 mins and was on at the end.

So did 15, then 10 to 15 mins brake then 40(I think)

Can't say I'm suprised to be honest. He was maturing into a great prop before Mc dropped him and was the best prop in the squad by a mile. He has a good work rate, solid defense, a decent offload game and really goes forward. Letting him go is one of the worst recruitment decsions Leeds have made in recent times. I've always thought he had the potential to play for England, and this season he has proved that. He's still only 24.

Realistically, if he holds down a spot in an NRL team, he has to be playing himself right into contention for England doesn't he?

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