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Eels revive Burgess switch deal with tempting offer
Wed 20 Feb 2019, 11:23 AM
Parramatta have reopened negotiations with South Sydney prop George Burgess about joining the club before the start of the 2019 season.
NRL.com reported last month that Burgess had knocked back an offer from the Eels to join the club before round one, however discussions with the prop’s management have been revived over the past few days.
It could have an impact on the Wests Tigers, who were given the green light by the NRL to
try and sign Robert Jennings.
If Burgess departs to join the Eels, Jennings may remain at the Rabbitohs.
The Eels are desperate to add some size to their pack, identifying George Burgess as a potential starting prop alongside new recruit Junior Paulo.
It is understood Burgess’s preference is to remain at the Rabbitohs with his brothers Sam and Thomas, however he hasn’t been guaranteed a contract beyond the end of this season.
Cook: Souths stars to honour Sutton
The Eels are willing to pay his full contract for the remainder of this season (believed to be around $400,000) as well offer him a two-year deal on top of that worth around $700,000 a season to keep him at the club until the end of 2021.
Those closest to Burgess are encouraging him to take the deal on the table, with no guarantee of a contract of such value to come around in the next 12 months and also the Eels would have likely moved on to their next target.
As of Tuesday night, Burgess’s manager Chris Caisley was in close dialogue with Eels officials about the move.
Caisley is based in England, meaning all his dealings with the Eels and Rabbitohs have largely taken place at night due to the time difference.
The Eels are hopeful the English international can return to the type of form that led to him being touted as one of the best front-rowers in the game during South Sydney’s premiership charge in 2014.
Gutherson knocks back Eels deal
The Eels offered a contract extension to skipper Clint Gutherson late last year, however the Eels fullback declined to sign.
There’s a suggestion he is waiting to see what will happen with coach Brad Arthur and who takes his place should he not have his contract extended beyond this year.
Gutherson also believes he is worth more than what the Eels put on the table. It’s no secret Gutherson wasn’t at his best in 2018 coming off a second ACL injury, however the fullback has backed himself to rediscover his best form and in turn demand more than he would have if he signed the extension last year.
He is happy at the club, with both parties keen for the deal to be done. It’s just a matter of working out just how much that contract is worth.”
