Which probably cumulatively added up to about a third of what came in for the Tomkins bros?

Actually, that is sheer guesswork, would be interesting to know what the net cash inflow was after that little lot - anyone know?

On topic - really hope JB stays in RL and in SL, he is sheer class and the best wing prospect in the country by a country mile.

So just because Sam hasn't been an instant hit the entire NRL will not explore the possibility of signing another back from Wigan? They consider each player on an individual basis.

Hopefully Joe will realise how hopeless a coach McNamara is after seeing him first hand being in the England squad. Assistant or not I would hope he wouldn't go anywhere near a club where McNamara's involved.

Sam was Man of Steel and is the best player of his generation. So yes, they will think twice. No one has gone for Ryan Hall who many claim as the best in the world.

I think that NRL teams don't need British backs.

Just read the supplement in the Observer. Burgess was asked about the rumours and basically said he doesn't bother with any contract talks and just leaves it all to his agent. No denial then but I presume all options are open at the moment.

Who is Burgess agent.

Andy Clarke

Let's hope he doesn't share one with Russell Crowe

I'd be surprised if Joe left just yet after watching the Warriors down under programme. He had an interview in which he mentioned his mother mithering over him, he's still really young and I imagine he'll spend atleast another year or two at Wigan atleast.

joe has still a lot to learn and I hope he learns it at WIGAN.The lads got talent and when it comes along you have to nurture it.At the end of the day it boils down to LOYALTYorCASH!!!

Daryl Clark's comments were interesting last night when he said he has an ambition to go to the NRL but not quite yet. He wants to establish himself here then go over and test himself. He's got a four year deal at Wire which I'd imagine he will see out and then go. He'll be 25 by then which is perfect IMO.

Joe Burgess would be wise to follow a similar path. The issue he may face if he goes over too soon is him being seen as a reserve grader with potential and his chance may never come along. He should go as a high earning full international with 5 or 6 years of first team at the back of him.

All this talk about young Joe makes me have to ask, how good could Joe be.
When you look at wingers of the recent past some have been good at finishing and also have good pace but can be rubbish under the high ball and their defence can be a bit off as well.
Some may not have the greatest pace and can defend fairly well and others can make a break, go head down and make it look as if supporting players do not exist.

Joe though as young has he is seems comfortable with every thing he does, he has pace, is good under the high ball and his defence is coming on considering the amount of time he has spent in the first team.
In my eyes what has impressed me the most is his awareness of what is going on when he makes the break, most young players with his pace would go for glory most of the time but Joe always seams to take the correct option.

All this makes me say that I could see Joe developing into a top winger, centre or fullback in the future, such is the potential he shows.

I remember him winning the game for us v Saints at U16's level. Wigan were leading comfortably but then got Josh Rooney sin binned for interfering with a 20 metre tap.
Saints scored a couple of quick tries and were back in the game.

Andre Savellio broke down the middle of the pitch for Saints and looked certain to score. Burgess came from nowhere with a tremendous tackle and Savellio lost the ball.
It was his game awareness that stuck in my mind and then I watched him progress through the academy. Him Williams and Hampshire were outstanding despite playing against older lads.
I'd love him to stay at Wigan, he's a Wigan lad and a perfect fit for our team.

However, what does he do if he has offers from Aus?

Wigan cannot and should not break their wage structure, it'll cause lots of problems further down the line.

I just hope common sense (on both sides) prevails.

If I were Wigan I'd be offering a three plus one year deal
Year 1 £x
Year 2 (£year 1 +20%)
Year 3 (£Year 2 +20%)

There would have to be caveats regarding appearances, tries etc but I'm sure these things could be worked out.

I remember this game at Ince. A cracker which Wigan one by a couple of points.

Savelio had an overlap and went on his own. I think this was because he scored tries for fun and his size enabled him to brush off most would be tacklers. Definitely saved the game for Wigan on this occasion.

What happened to Rooney? He's a talented lad

I think it was attitude rather than ability. Plus he could lose his temper and concentration easily if he was niggled, Callum Wright suffers in the same way as did Tommy Coyle a few years back.