Sam Burgess : Wed Oct 30, 2019 5:30 pm  

Sad day seeing Sam retire at 30 years of age. A man who played the game with no fear and a will to win which saw him receive the MOM in. NRL GF. One of the best I've seen in recent years. Hopefully he can still be a character and involved in our game. He's had a rocky few years on and off the pitch; but is undeniably one of the true British RL stars we've had over the past few decades. All the best Sammy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sc2eE01XDQ

Sad day seeing Sam retire at 30 years of age. A man who played the game with no fear and a will to win which saw him receive the MOM in. NRL GF. One of the best I've seen in recent years. Hopefully he can still be a character and involved in our game. He's had a rocky few years on and off the pitch; but is undeniably one of the true British RL stars we've had over the past few decades. All the best Sammy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sc2eE01XDQ

Re: Sam Burgess : Wed Oct 30, 2019 8:47 pm  

He’s been one of my all time favourite players to watch and has given me some highlights to remember of games I’ve been at. I was there for his hit on Moi Moi at Huddersfield, his two try’s in the Four Nations final at Leeds against the Aussies and his try against the Kiwis at Wembley in the World Cup semi and each one made you sit up and realise what a special player we had on our hands. There’s just been something about the lad that you don’t get with many players or people in general. The story of him looking after his father, carrying him up the stairs to bed at only 15/16 years of age is incredibly sad but a measure of the bloke. His relationship with Russell Crowe made headlines and that GF performance to become the only overseas player to win the Clive Churchill medal was astonishing.

I was pretty gutted when I read he was calling it quits this morning. I felt his presence in the England/GB side next season against the Aussies may give us a sniff but sadly it’s not to be. He’s got to look after himself though so fair play to him and good luck.

What a career!

Re: Sam Burgess : Thu Oct 31, 2019 8:10 am  

Unbelievable player and for me by far the best British export round the NRL. If he was Australian he’d be lauded as the worlds best front rower/loose. He’s got to be up there as one of Britains GOAT RL players. Here’s hoping his next chapter is just as fruitful.

Re: Sam Burgess : Thu Oct 31, 2019 10:34 am  

100% Warrior wrote:

Unbelievable player and for me by far the best British export round the NRL. If he was Australian he’d be lauded as the worlds best front rower/loose. He’s got to be up there as one of Britains GOAT RL players. Here’s hoping his next chapter is just as fruitful.

I remember seeing an interview with Sam; when he'd just signed for Bath (I wish I could find the interview) he said he couldn't keep playing NRL the way he does for a lengthy period of time as it's basically too much on the body. Which at the time made he think he was venturing into Union not just for an opportunity to play on front of 80,000 on the international scene and try something new; but to prolong his career in professional sports.
Obviously things didn't work out that way and he was soon back in the NRL; and several years later he retires at the young age of 30, when many 'middles' are in their prime.
Now he's retired due to injury, if that interview was an almost premonition into what was to come for Sam, almost like he knew if he played the NRL the way he plays he wouldn't be around for a long career.

Re: Sam Burgess : Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:37 pm  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

I remember seeing an interview with Sam; when he'd just signed for Bath (I wish I could find the interview) he said he couldn't keep playing NRL the way he does for a lengthy period of time as it's basically too much on the body. Which at the time made he think he was venturing into Union not just for an opportunity to play on front of 80,000 on the international scene and try something new; but to prolong his career in professional sports.
Obviously things didn't work out that way and he was soon back in the NRL; and several years later he retires at the young age of 30, when many 'middles' are in their prime.
Now he's retired due to injury, if that interview was an almost premonition into what was to come for Sam, almost like he knew if he played the NRL the way he plays he wouldn't be around for a long career.

He’s sadly paid a prize for the almost superhuman efforts put in on the field. You watch a player like Burgess smashing people in attack and defence and you think they’re unbreakable but those collisions have taken their toll.

Still I’m sure he’ll look back in years to come and say he wouldn’t have changed a thing. Had he played the game in a more safety first manner he wouldn’t have been half the player. He’s been a privilege to watch.

Re: Sam Burgess : Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:48 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

He’s sadly paid a prize for the almost superhuman efforts put in on the field. You watch a player like Burgess smashing people in attack and defence and you think they’re unbreakable but those collisions have taken their toll.

Still I’m sure he’ll look back in years to come and say he wouldn’t have changed a thing. Had he played the game in a more safety first manner he wouldn’t have been half the player. He’s been a privilege to watch.

He certainly has the respect of all; fans, fellow players, coaches you name it, and rightly so.

I heard the doctor told him it would take 2 years for his shoulder to correctly heal; so he called it a day, part of me did wonder if one day he'll return when fully fit; especially as he'll only be 32 and might get the bug to play again...

You never know. But for now; what a career. So pleased he came back to league and will go down as a modern day legend.

Re: Sam Burgess : Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:53 pm  

Not withstanding his efforts on the field but Sam also leaves a massive void in relation to a British superstar player and personality.

Being involved in the junior game it’s interessting to see the young kids reaction to it. Most have “tributes” to him over there social media (no I’m not on it but both my lads showed me) even the ones who don’t really have a massive interest in sitting down to watch the game.

Our sport needs high profile players and there is now without doubt a void in the game for someone of his profile to step forward. I think it is in fact essential someone does to help inspire the next generation.

The obvious candidate is John Bateman in relation to his impact and ability but I’m not sure he has the full package in relation to his appeal to the media/personality.

I think the void created by Sam in that department could have just a big an impact off the field than it will on it.

Re: Sam Burgess : Thu Oct 31, 2019 4:21 pm  

It’s certainly left a huge hole in our international set up and in more way than one. We’ve lost a great personality and recognisable face, a top player and a guy who was probably going to be our captain for the next five years. It’ll be interesting to see who takes on that captaincy now because looking at Graham at the weekend, he’s all but done as well.

Re: Sam Burgess : Thu Oct 31, 2019 6:58 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

It’s certainly left a huge hole in our international set up and in more way than one. We’ve lost a great personality and recognisable face, a top player and a guy who was probably going to be our captain for the next five years. It’ll be interesting to see who takes on that captaincy now because looking at Graham at the weekend, he’s all but done as well.

For me the obvious candidate would be John Bateman

Re: Sam Burgess : Fri Nov 01, 2019 12:23 pm  

100% Warrior wrote:

For me the obvious candidate would be John Bateman

surely Chris Hill?