fLIP
UFO Hunter
Wasnt sure if this is front page stuff. :-X
RUSSELL CROWE usually gets what he wants, but that may not be the case when it comes to English sensation Sam Burgess.
South Sydney co-owner Crowe all but trumpeted the signing of Burgess, rated the best forward in the world by Bradford teammate Steve Menzies, during a recent sponsorship announcement.
Despite Burgess having a year remaining on his Bulls contract, Crowe declared: ''He has one green eye and one red eye already. He's very keen to join South Sydney.''
However, Crowe's comments came as a surprise to Burgess's manager, Chris Caisley, who stressed his client was still exploring all of his NRL options.
''That's probably, what's the word, an elaboration of where we are at,'' Caisley told The Sun-Herald.
''Sam hasn't agreed to any terms with anybody, but he has talked to a number of clubs. That's the position and it's common knowledge that Souths are one of them.
''As for the rest of it, it rests with the English club as to whether they will release him for next year.''
Complicating the issue for the Rabbitohs is the uncertainty over coach Jason Taylor's future. Taylor has until Tuesday to save his job but is expected to be sacked for his role in the infamous ''Sad Sunday'' debacle. The outcome will impact upon negotiations with Burgess.
''We'd have to view that,'' Caisley he said. ''It's obviously of importance, who's going to be coaching the players. It would have a bearing, no doubt. We're not far enough down the road [in negotiations] to be concerned about it.''
Burgess, contracted to Bradford until the end of 2010, aspires to test himself in the NRL. The Bulls may be prepared to release him early if an amicable arrangement - such as a player swap - can be negotiated.
''He'll definitely be coming over in 2011,'' Caisley said. ''If a club wants him before they'll have to come to an arrangement with Bradford. They have not indicated they have no wish to let him go - other than for significant compensation - at this stage.''
RUSSELL CROWE usually gets what he wants, but that may not be the case when it comes to English sensation Sam Burgess.
South Sydney co-owner Crowe all but trumpeted the signing of Burgess, rated the best forward in the world by Bradford teammate Steve Menzies, during a recent sponsorship announcement.
Despite Burgess having a year remaining on his Bulls contract, Crowe declared: ''He has one green eye and one red eye already. He's very keen to join South Sydney.''
However, Crowe's comments came as a surprise to Burgess's manager, Chris Caisley, who stressed his client was still exploring all of his NRL options.
''That's probably, what's the word, an elaboration of where we are at,'' Caisley told The Sun-Herald.
''Sam hasn't agreed to any terms with anybody, but he has talked to a number of clubs. That's the position and it's common knowledge that Souths are one of them.
''As for the rest of it, it rests with the English club as to whether they will release him for next year.''
Complicating the issue for the Rabbitohs is the uncertainty over coach Jason Taylor's future. Taylor has until Tuesday to save his job but is expected to be sacked for his role in the infamous ''Sad Sunday'' debacle. The outcome will impact upon negotiations with Burgess.
''We'd have to view that,'' Caisley he said. ''It's obviously of importance, who's going to be coaching the players. It would have a bearing, no doubt. We're not far enough down the road [in negotiations] to be concerned about it.''
Burgess, contracted to Bradford until the end of 2010, aspires to test himself in the NRL. The Bulls may be prepared to release him early if an amicable arrangement - such as a player swap - can be negotiated.
''He'll definitely be coming over in 2011,'' Caisley said. ''If a club wants him before they'll have to come to an arrangement with Bradford. They have not indicated they have no wish to let him go - other than for significant compensation - at this stage.''
