Quote: BrisbaneRhino "On Burgess, my understanding is (could be wrong) that he's been signed to play in the centres. He wants to play in the World Cup next year, and there's little chance he'd be even half proficient at the RU forwards' stock in trade by that time. He won't be leaving Souths until their season is up, which most likely means no pre-season at all in RU - just straight into it.
I just look at his build and the way he plays and can see him having the odd flash moment in both attack and defence, but in the centres his basic lack of speed and mobility would be a problem. He's a completely different style of player to SBW, who would be a great RL centre if he wanted to be, as well as pretty good in RU. Burgess would be an average centre in RL, never mind RU.'"
Couldn't agree more. I think Burgess has made a huge mistake. Down to his ego and rivalry with SBW with him wanting to emulate what Sonny has.
Joel has been unlucky with injuries at crucial times in his RU career. Although not a massive success he has done well. I know a member of Sarries medical team who always spoke highly of Joel. I'm happy he's back however players returning from RU have a history of being half the player they were when they left.