People make quite a big play on the Burgess family connection, but with only Sam being in the UK I think it's a pipe dream to suggest either Tom or George are suddenly going to up sticks from a world champion Souths side to come live 250 miles away from where their big brother is.

They are getting to the age now where they don't necessarily need Sam or Julie around to look after them and are capable of building a life for themselves in Sydney, probably enjoying a bit of independence and being out of Sam's shadow. Nothing wrong with dangling the bait out there, but ask yourself if you were in their shoes why would you want to move?

For once I think the sleeve will look for a major signing. To lose 2 greats of the game in one season requires a big statement - assuming the right players are available. It will only be the 3rd owner of the Rhinos #10 shirt since squad numbers were introduced and he's some big boots to fill!

Dont disagree with the sentiment, I know where I would rather set up my deck chair. My point though is that we have to at least show the ambition to go after these players and if you are looking for a top class prop as we should be then whoever we target will be very hard to get - salary cap, level of sl compared to nfl etc.. so you have to try play the angles. If Tom is a bit homesick, if he isn't purely driven by money and if he wants to strike out on his own a little there are worse options than the most successful side in sl.

It's third hand information at best. But my mate said the rumor he heard from his good source at work is we have signed cooper cronk and Sam Thiday. Don't believe either if I am honest but there you have it.

Would not like gallen in the team. I read an interview a while ago and basically said wanted to come for a last pay day and to see Europe. Past his best by time he gets here. Not too fussed about him

Speaking to a workmate who follows Fev home and away , he has been waxing lyrical about Baldwinson . Stand out performer in their front row . If he comes back next year and has trained on sufficiently , could be a real bonus to the club .

All about attitude with Baldwinson now. He has shown he had the talent at all the young age groups and was touted for big things. Maybe he let that get to his head a little thinking he was nailed on for stardom as he headed out to the NRL but i would bet that was a bit of an eye opener for him as to what he still needs to do to make it at first grade level.With JP and Kylie going there is no longer a block to the first team if the young lads are showing promise.

By what you say it seems he has knuckled down and is working hard for Fev.This season should do him some real good and he should be ready to take a place in the squad next year all being well.

think its

Don't believe it for a second, but if we aren't losing another important player and with Thaiday and Cronk coming in and you could start engraving our name on the treble for next season, today.

(*You could probably say the same for Saints, Wigan, Wire or Les Catalans aswell)

Yes I don't believe it either. Especially Cronk. But I would hope we are looking and at least asking about thiday

The Cronk rumour was an April fools joke on facebook. Dear me.

Why dear me. Only what someone told me today. No need for the high and mighty response

The dear me was an expression of what the hell. It wasn't aimed at you. More your work mate. We all hear third hand rumours.

Trivial but - it will be the fourth. In 1996 the no 10 shirt was worn by Harvey Howard until he left. McDermott was 15.

If the likes of Baldwnson are on year loan what happens to their physical development given the likes of Fev are part time?

Do they still follow a weights program set out by Jason?

I am sure when the announcements were made it said they would train at the Rhinos also. Hence why the RFL I vestigation thread I made mention that they were loans.

All this speculation about big money signings is exciting and makes a good talking point, but it reminds me of the not so halcyon days of the past. We would do well to remember what is mainly responsible for this hugely successful last decade in the club's history. We should relish the golden legacy achieved through promotion from within and hard to replicate team spirit.

I fully agree though we'd also do well to realise that the golden generation of homegrown players were complemented by some shrewd and some very big signings.

The likes of:
Bai
Furner
Ali
Ellis
Webb
Peacock
Donald
Leuluai
Buderus
Hardaker

Were all quality signings and played their part in our successes. Not to mention the signings that were already at the club like McDermott & Senior.

No one will be happy if we just rely on the youth.

I have been pleasantly surprised by Aiton this season, I had him down as just a journeyman type of hooker.
His performances and enthusiasm this season has been exemplary. Even more so when you consider Clark at the wire is struggling. I am of course assuming Clark cost the wire more than we paid for aiton.