is this true?

[stephenj]

The Sydney Roosters’ English import Joe Burgess has been given permission to play the remainder of the season with South Sydney before he returns home to Wigan.
Burgess, no relation to Sam, Tom or George, joined the Roosters at the beginning of the season but has struggled to make an impression.

[Guest]

Yes, was being reported yesterday

[Guest]

It is true

[ChookMaster]

must of fallen out pretty badly considering we let bondi hipster go. Our depth in the backs right now is very thin.

[Big Red]

It is true

Yes it true. He was told to go. Just like others. They don't look after players

[eddie]

must of fallen out pretty badly considering we let bondi hipster go. Our depth in the backs right now is very thin.

We'll know if we've hit rock bottom depth wise if we're forced to use Slamenkle

[nikottam]

Who's Bondi hipster? Is it Elliot

[Bigchook]

Wouldn't be surprised if we make a big play for semi. He wants money. We have money.

Welcome semi.

[PeeGee]

Yes it true. He was told to go. Just like others. They don't look after players

That's really dissapointing if true.

[zac]

I thought it was because they want to give Joseph Manu game time, given he has a future with the club. We have Fergo, Copley, SKD, Toops, Manu, and, if needed, Aubbo.

I thought letting Burgess try his luck elsewhere was giving him a chance not to finish his NRL career in reserves.

[Bigchook]

I thought it was because they want to give Joseph Manu game time, given he has a future with the club. We have Fergo, Copley, SKD, Toops, Manu, and, if needed, Aubbo.

I thought letting Burgess try his luck elsewhere was giving him a chance not to finish his NRL career in reserves.

I agree. It's likely Joe was told that he wouldn't be playing first grade. Rather than have him plod away at Wyong an opportunity came up. Who knows? He may have asked for the release? I don't think you can say the club didn't look after him.

[eddie]

I don't think you can say the club didn't look after him.

Damn straight.
We paid for him to have a terrific holiday.

[John Corey]

Anyone sad over the departure of Joe Burgess obviously did not watch the Gold Coast game. He is out of his depth in the NRL and there is no point keeping a player with his glaring weaknesses as depth. I'd much rather Manu get that opportunity.

[ism22]

Who's Bondi hipster? Is it Elliot

Yeah the dude with the man bun...

[ism22]

I agree. It's likely Joe was told that he wouldn't be playing first grade. Rather than have him plod away at Wyong an opportunity came up. Who knows? He may have asked for the release? I don't think you can say the club didn't look after him.

Agreed... the club coulda treated him like a piece of meat and said 'sorry mate no NRL but we NEED you for Wyong'.

The guy came here wanting to play NRL. Yes it must have s*cked thinking he was gonna be part of the BEST team and then not even getting a start for the WORST team... but he was part of that TBH. The club expected an NRL-grade winger and got a Wyong-grade winger.

The Roosters were good about it and let him play for Souffs 1/2 way through the year (with some Pommie mates). Instead of being left to rot we've given him a possible start with another NRL club that has a far greater chance of making the 8 this year than we do.

We tried... it didn't work out. Time to shake hands and walk away as friends. Both the club and Burgess were expecting more from each other this season. Go figure!

Edit: not our fault that an English international's ego was bruised by a 19 y/o's almost perfect debut on the weekend. When you come over here saying 'I played for England and I'm gonna carve up' then we're expecting you to be a role model for kids like Joey Manu (not to be schooled by them).