Burgess set for Souths move
By STEVE MASCORD
Bradford Bulls have agreed to release England prop Sam Burgess from the final season of his contract and he will join South Sydney next year on a four-year deal.
rugbyleague.com can reveal that after more than a month of negotiations, the Rabbitohs have agreed to pay the Bulls compensation to buy out the 2010 portion of Burgess' tenure at the Grattan Stadium.
"All I can tell you is that that negotiations are ongoing,'' Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said.
"We are keen to have Sam at the club and we are working towards that end.''
But it's understood there is little more to take place in the process than for the funds to land in the Bulls' bank account.
In their negotiations, the Bunnies reminded the Bulls that if they hung on to the 20-year-old for another year they would get no compensation at all for his departure.
South Sydney owner Russell Crowe was involved in the early stages of negotiations, wining and dining the young star and his manager during filming of the upcoming Robin Hood film.
"Sam didn't drink but he sure can eat,'' Crowe said later.
It is understood the fee involved in the transfer is a significant six-figure sum.
Burgess is the third prop signed by the Rabbitohs for 2010, after Brisbane hulk Dave Taylor and Queensland Origin star Ben Ross, from Cronulla.
They already boast the man ranked the leading front rower in the world, injured New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi.
Meanwhile the British flag will be flown on NRL grand final day by Gareth Widdop, the fullback in Melbourne's under 20s side.
Widdop played for Yorkshire Under 16s before emigrating with his family. He has been offered a senior contract with the Storm next year and shapes as Billy Slater's fullback understudy.
The Melbourne Thunderbolts Toyota Cup side takes on Brisbane at 2.10pm Sydney time
www.rugbyleague.com/rugby-league ... -move.html
