Are you insinuating there may be a slight bit of spin in the article? Surely not?

I think it's a genuine statement. Biffa doesn't stand a chance trying to compete with Kirke's average 4 carries.

The Tykes thing is a slight worry. I think there was a thread a couple of months ago detailing that over the last ten years millions of pounds of loans were given to the Tykes, then written off, directly by Caddick. But, if I remember right, in the last set of accounts the 7-figure loan came from the Rhinos. It'll still show as an asset in the Rhinos accounts....unless it's written off. Surely this can't be what's happening...?

Has anybody else heard this about Cross being suspended on disciplinary?

Take it out then.

Nonsense. The lad was coming out of conrtact. He can go wherever he wants. We're in no stronger position than any other club. Luke held all the cards, not us.

Luke has expressed his desire to play in Aus for quite some time. It's no secret. He'd even be willing to play at a lower level. He may not actually get there but he's hardly committed to us long term is he?

Do you reckon the non playing of Luke is because Darth offered Burgess a deal but he refused it?

You treat valued employees well, and they're more likely to stay with you. Those are the cards we held, but we dropped them.

Not at all.

Do you think Darth selects the team?

Besides, if they operated that way why did Eastwood play till the end of the year and at Wembley at the expense of Lauititi.

I think it's nonsense tittle tattle made up by mischievous posters.

Fair point well made at the end of the day

the wording of the statement for me from Leeds seems bit harsh on Burgess

I actually agree with Gareth.

Burgess was always going. We held no cards whatsoever.

I think he'd rather play in the Bunnies' reserves and live on the beach with his brothers in Oz. And who can blame him.

if stories are true you have already signed darrel griffin from huddersfield as a replacement prop for next year

Underwhelming, and won't come cheap after his England selection. Didn't pull up any trees on the international stage either. Probably better than what we have though.

I'd heard it was actually Earl Crabtree for next season...hope my source hasnt misunderstood the Hudds connection and it is Griffin after all!!!

Isn't Crabtree contracted to the Giants until 2015?

If anything is to go by what people have said on here, we have better props coming through in the academy and it’s only a matter of time before their in the team. I’ve enjoyed watching Biffa play at the Rhinos and I wish him all the best. But Ben Cross only came here because Danny Buderus recommended him as a mate rather than as an asset to the team. Good luck to him as well with a hint of good riddance though.

However I don’t look forward to whatever team McDermott will be building at Headingley if his time at Harlequins is anything to go by!

The most pleasing aspect about the announced departures today is the professional attitude displayed by both management and players involved, the entente cordiale established over the past month and the maintenance of a happy relationship going forward.

I've heard we are signing Paul Gallen.

Yep. Done deal. He was really keen. I think he may even be paying us for the privilege of playing for us.

Both asked to leave, computer said yes, no big deal

Ah the old charlatan, barla chav, soft-cock thing.

right on

10 seasons thereabouts in the team - jammy get

Surely 2 main squad members (one a "marquee" signing) not getting a sniff of the first team could be described as a big deal though

GH from YEP I empathise with his frustration, which has been caused in part by Jamie Peacock’s earlier than expected return to the first team and the outstanding form of some of our other front-row forwards"

???????????????

The only front-row forward who has approached consistent form this season is Burgess himself. No wonder he fell out with Brian Mc.

Not quite accurate.

He started like a house on fire, but he did tale off in his last batch of games.

That seems to be what we have seen from him over 3/4 years in the team. Alot of potential but his improvement levels never made huge strides forward IMO.

I hope he finds what he's looking for.

Random that Burgess is available for loan, would definitely strengthen Leeds' first choice 17 in my humble.

I'd take him at Saints for the rest of the year for sure.

Cross, on the other hand, is Weller Hauraki's less competent brother.

Do you know anything at all about the Burgess brother's circumstances?

Luke was NEVER likely to stay with us, no matter what. He made no secret of his desire to be in Oz with his brothers.

His omission from the team was baffling I agree but the pet lip he's shown as a result doesn't speak volumes for his character.

We held no cards. He was out of contract. We offered him a new one. He said no thanks, I'm off as he'd said he would for some time.

No big deal, un-twist knickers.