https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... s-28266829

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... s-28266829

Was there not talk about him going to Saints? They seem to be struggling to recruit and are weak on the wing (imo) + Burgess will probably be going cheap now? Seems like a good fit.

Wonder what he has done, doesn’t come over as the type to get in bother, but ‘tis the season and all that.

If I were Gary Heatherington I’d be on the phone offering Olpherts and cash, would really improve the Leeds squad.

Think Saints are keeping their powder dry for a centre to become available and won’t risk using the cap space up on a wing.

Went to Ben Austin's wedding with Gildart/Williams etc when he should have been training and then said the weather was too bad to drive back.

I think we are still looking for a pure centre rather than a winger

He would get in their 13 on the wing imo but they already have Bennison and Ritson contracted so it’s not good business in a salary capped sport to be paying 4 senior wingers, maybe they could do some form of swap deal?

Feels like the latest step on a career of what could/should have been. He's had a decent career but it just feels like it should've been so much better.

Gildart too.

To a degree but I don't think his career has disappointed as much as that of Burgess. Gildart had good success at Wigan before going to the NRL. Off the top of my head I think Gildart won GF's in 2016 and 2018, whereas Burgess hasn't won any. They both have played in a couple of GF losses. Gildart made a decent go of his chances at International level as well. What I would say though is they're both good examples to lads who want to make it clear their ambition is to leave Wigan and go to the NRL, that the grass isn't always greener. I watched the James Graham interview with Welsby earlier and love him or loath him, he made it absolutely clear that playing in Superleague isn't a second prize and he won't give it up lightly.

that's exactly what you'd expect someone to say who was too scared to go and give it a crack....least Gildard, Williams, Mossop, Flannigan etc have give it a go, and kudos to them

Give over. He didn't say he wouldn't go, admitted he's tempted just that he also knows he's in a good place at the moment- best mates at the club, family love watching him every week etc.

He was just making the point (if you listen to it) that we shouldn't feel inferior to the NRL players

Enjoyed the interview.

I think the NRL bit was very carefully handled by him and by Graham.

It’s obviously a sensitive issue and as he stated Wellens had been on the phone.

I’d be shocked if he didn’t go at the end of his current contract to be honest, I also think if Smith continues on his current trajectory he will be gone at the same time too despite he 4 year contract.

Felt like he’ll go but the reason will be to prove he’s a top player rather than to experience all the trappings that come with a move to Oz. He seemed like he couldn’t care less about the weather, beaches, fame etc. He just seemed like he wants to be respected and it was refreshing to hear. I don’t think some of our ex players have gone for the same reasons.

Changed my view on Welsby over the last 6 months or so. That bit of arrogance he shows on the field is balanced out by a very level-headed and mature demeanour off the field - he speaks very impressively.

If I had to guess what he'll do I would say he'll go but perhaps not for the longer term. Can see him doing a couple of years to scratch the itch and then coming back to friends/family.

He definitely doesn't seem concerned with the sunshine or extra money I agree, its probably all about testing himself. I think if Saints offer him marquee money he will have a real decision to make. He will undoubtedly be captain by then too and the player that the club needs to re-build around. I don't think he has a chance of breaking Roby's appearance record which is what Graham suggested may be an aim but I've been told he is a real home bird, exceptionally close to his family etc.

I do agree though, despite this, I think he will go.

If somebody said to bet on what he’ll do, I think he’ll go at the end of this current deal, do 2 or 3 years and head back to St Helens (although it wouldn’t surprise me if he signed a 5 year deal at Saints instead).

One thing that stood out to me was what a crying shame it is that he’s not had a chance to play the Aussies or Kiwis. If he had regular games against them for England, I think he’d probably do a Roby/Lockers and stay here.