Burgess

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/01/23/george-burgess-knocks-back-parramatta-eels-offer-will-remain-with-south-sydney-rabbitohs/

George Burgess has knocked back an offer from the Parramatta Eels and will remain with the Rabbitohs until at least the end of 2019.

The South Sydney prop had attracted interest from the Eels with the opportunity to link with Parramatta as early as this season on a multi-year deal.

However the English international informed the Eels on Tuesday night that he had decided against taking up their offer and would see out his deal with the Rabbitohs.

South Sydney haven't got a contract beyond this year on the table, but Burgess is backing himself to earn a new deal in his first season under new coach Wayne Bennett.

The Eels have plenty of money to spend in the salary cap given the departure of Corey Norman to St George Illawarra and the decision not to extend Jarryd Hayne's contract.

They have identified a need for more aggression and size up front to go with the addition of Junior Paulo to the team, who rejoins the Eels after a stint in the nation's capital with the Canberra Raiders.

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Burgess is understood to have been close to agreeing to a deal with the Eels for 2019 and beyond but it fell over at the 11th hour.

NRL.com contacted South Sydney, with general manager Shane Richardson reiterating the club's desire to keep Burgess at the club.

"He will be with us in 2019 and Wayne has always indicated he wants him here," Richardson said.

"Can't argue with that Bert, Ryles has turned us around massively. How good is it to see rookies coming through at last. This year was always going to be a write off, to see so many guys get there start and turn it into something is great. It'll be…"

"You're right about Guymer and Kautoga. Jesus we lack punch on the edges. Start Walker, Williams to edge and Hobgood to middle. Matterson should get a look in somewhere, hopefully. "

"Geez parra were dudded tonight. Wow some of the calls against parra we're disgusting. How the fuck does Kafusi take out an eels players to help his team mate score near the posts. Another day over the last 10 years that's not a try.. Obstruction…"

Replies

Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst January 23, 2019 at 2:10pm

Would have been the ideal player, bloody hopeless, wonder what changed his mind? Brown paper bag maybe?
- aveel > Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst January 23, 2019 at 2:39pm
  
  More likely he didn't want to come to Parra where star player's careers come to die. And he probably wants to play finals football under a decent coach
Cranky Brad is here!!! January 23, 2019 at 2:23pm

Damn that sucks.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER January 23, 2019 at 2:29pm

Offer him more he will come
Tragiceel January 23, 2019 at 2:58pm

I would rather blood Stefano Utoikaman than have George in the side, I think Stefano will be a better player in a year or two.

If the Eels are chasing another signing why don't we look at Dylan Edwards, apparently he was offered to the Raiders but it didn't happen, Panthers looking at DWZ for the fullback spot. Gutho stays at centre.
- Frank The Tank > Tragiceel January 23, 2019 at 8:13pm
  
  Here we go - better player haha.
  
  Eels supporters always over estimate the abilities of our players.
  
  George Burgess is a top prop and is only a player with potential.
the eggman January 23, 2019 at 3:09pm

His brother going through some shit atm. May have made his mind up for him.aaaahhhhh well bring on Tapau .
- CP > the eggman January 23, 2019 at 3:55pm
  
  Announcement first week of Nov......
Fiddy January 23, 2019 at 3:57pm

Its good to know we are looking at getting one more big name forward before start of year
MontoEel January 23, 2019 at 5:15pm

Good news