It would be a massive loss to the game, no doubt about it. It's a shame, as I generally thought he'd be one of those players who stay in the game and ignore the Union interest - like Lockyer, Slater etc. We need to hope and pray George and Tom stay, but I won't be happy if he's trying to convince them to join him. People can talk about money, but without the RFU, interest would Bath be able to tempt him? I'm sure he'd make more money at club level playing for Souths than Bath. But if it's all to play in the RUWC, then it's a bit ridiculous really. He'll have one year to be good enough to make the squad, otherwise it's pretty much a pointless move.

I really don't get why Union are so desperate to sign RL players though, not just England, but in France, Australia, NZ etc. There are far more union than league players in this country, why are they not able to produce like RL does?

He'll regret giving up his lifestyle in Sydney & the all action displays in the Souths side for freezing his butt off in the Bath backline hardly touching the ball, and then being the scapegoat for all his new sides failings.

Stay where you are Sam!

I think there's no chance they go. RU have no interest in prop forwards. Admittedly, they are young enough to learn how to scrimmage, but I think it's safe to say they would have no interest in their skill set. (Although, I would have thought the same about Sam!)

Interesting to think he might play centre in union given that slater skinned him there for the Aussie try just before half time in the RLWC opener.
I fail to see what union want with him........the French have a battering ram offloading centre who was anonymous last weekend.......sbw is an exception to the rule!

joel tomkins will back in league within a year when he doesn't make the cut for the world cup

I reckon Union could buy up the whole England League Team and just stick them on the sidelines.

Wonder which flight back his brothers will be on?

Burgess wouldn't have to play a full half in the forwards before coming up against Slater if he were a union back, he'd be quite fresh.

They want him because he's an excellent player, one of the quickest forwards i've seen and can play 80 mins with ease, he has excellent hands for a forward and is superb in defence.

He's the only Burgess that's good at Souths Sheldon. What will happen?

I think George is a true star of the game as well mate. I'm not sure tbh, think he might be off.

I think the main pull is playing for his country regularly. Goes to show how important international are for a sport.

I think the main pull is playing for his country regularly. Goes to show how important international are for a sport.

A full international programme, played during the regular season would raise the profile of the sport. Rugby Union's six nations is on now and the domestic season continues unabated. England RU manage to play ten or more games a year no problem during the regular season . Its a Club versus Country issue in RL which until International Rugby takes preceedence over SOO and Magic Weekends and club games will leave the game totally in Union's shadow.
It is flattering when Rugby Union tries to buy one of our top Players as it doesn't say a great deal about it's own development programme. It also sends an interestingly negative message to aspiring Players like Leroy Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees about their standing in future England plans. If Burgess goes he is not the first or last and the game goes on producing players. But the supply of good high profile Union recruits to Rugby League drying up is telling...
The ARL and The RFL (NRL & SL) need to sit down and sort out this aspect of the game.
Perhaps the Australians might even realise that by raising the profile of the game in England it would do likewise for the game globally.... no perhaps not... but looking at the bigger picture would help. Players will always have their heads turned at the prospect of playing on a bigger stage why not? Rugby League needs to create a bigger stage of its own.