Maybe in a similar situation to where we were when we let Newlove go?

Unfortunately I can't see it. The only similarity is that the team is potentially losing an excellent player, only this time it's one who is actually popular with his teammates and coach!

Are we likely to get three top quality players and a pile of cash in his place? Do we already have a Robbie Paul type player at the club to be the figurehead of a large marketing operation?

The club's lost a lot of big personalities over the past few years, players who were recognisable and loved by the supporters.

Burgess going (and I recognise that the club can't do anything much to prevent it) will further hasten us becoming a team without an identity.

It's quite apparent that we're not in the business of making big signings anymore due to financial constraints. I just hope the crop of youngsters come on and become crowd favourites in Sam's place soon or we'll be struggling even more.

Apologies for the glum posting but I can't see any positives for our club in Burgess leaving.

The club should not have let him put an NRL get out clause in his contract. Easier said than done, I know...

That just really pi$ses me off. Sam, if you go, don't go to these arrogant ar$eholes, go to Manly or Wests please.

I'm not sure Burge leaving will cause the massive upset you suggest, I feel the supporters who attend games now, are not there for the "hype" or to watch "sex on legs" we are down to the die hards who will be there thru' thick and thin, I honestly can't see crowds falling much more. Your points are valid tho' in attracting new supporters, which really is the only way forward.

I'm more worried about how we'll find it harder to build now than we did in 96 when we had the cash and the impetus from SL starting. I agree that we're probably getting down to the hard core of supporters but clubs need to the "floaters" cash too, as you say to move forward.

The Bulls are in the entertainment business and crowd pleasers are necessary to pull in the punters and grow the business. Supporters who attend for the most part expect to be entertained though I agree the form of the entertainment has varied from excitement to comedy this year.

It's been more like a shakespearen "tragedy" than anything.

Souths could have a formidable pack with Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell, Sam Burgess and they have also signed Brisbanes monster Dave Taylor.

And plenty of "farce" at times!

I think a lot depends on who will coe in when Burgess goes. If you get a couple of big names, there is no reason to be pessimistic. However if you continue to sign 'journeymen' (with the exception of Scrutes and Menzies), then crowds and belief will continue to drop.

If Burgess goes, fans will want to see the money spent on the team, not gobbled up elsewhere.

Another factor to consider is that he could go for free depending on what's in his contract. If he has an NRL release clause at the end of 2010 then we'd lose him early and for nowt. If not then he'll be off at the end of 2011. Otherwise we're relying on an NRL club putting their hand in their pocket to the tune of at least £500k and that's unlikely to happen.

The only way I can see him staying is if his circumstances change and he gets hitched to some lovely lass who doesn't want to leave Bradford. I'm not sure if he's single but I hear that debaser and Keith Booaza have plans to dress up as ladies to attempt to seduce young Sam into staying.

"...have plans to..."??

Souths have called a immediate press confrence 1pm Aussie time tomorrow at ANZ Stadium with an important announcement.

Who put his eye out?

may be an interesting week to come