Why Super League could be the only option for a returning Sam Burgess

[josie andrews]

“Medically retired’ – The term used when Sam Burgess announced his retirement from rugby league in October 2019.

It was a decision forced on the England forward as a result of the chronic shoulder problem that blighted his final few NRL seasons at South Sydney.

At just 30, Burgess’ retirement sent shock waves through the sport. It felt like a premature ending, so much so that many actually predicted the headlines that have come about over the last few days.

Fox League, the TV network at which Sam works as an NRL pundit, revealed the 2014 Clive Churchill Medalist is thinking of a comeback in 2021 after returning to ‘top fitness’, having spent the last few months training with the Rabbitohs’ squad.

If Sam’s shoulder is improving and his fitness is at an elite level, then it seems a no brainer for the Bunnies to bring him back into the playing fold next year, especially when you consider the struggles Wayne Bennett’s side have had in the forwards this season.

But, unfortunately, it isn’t that straight forward. As Burgess was medically retired, the remaining $1 million of his contract was wiped from Souths’ salary cap, allowing them to bring in another superstar in the shape of Latrell Mitchell from the Roosters.

Now, you may think that surely doesn’t matter by the start of 2021, as Sam’s contract would have been up by then anyway, that however isn’t the case.

When the NRL grants a medical retirement, it’s on the grounds that the player is to never play in the competition again. It’s the point of no return for a decision forced on the player and one completely out of the club’s control. It’s the reason the NRL have such compassion in this situation, allowing salary cap dispensation.

Since the ‘medically retired’ rule was brought in, Sam’s case is the highest profile the NRL has seen. Warrington-bound Greg Inglis, a former teammate and close friend of Burgess, announced his retirement from the NRL in April 2019 after a series of injury concerns. Although he had 18 months remaining on his contract with the Rabbitohs, Inglis was paid out in full by the club despite not being medically retired.

It’s expected there would have been a backlash should Inglis have returned to the NRL due to the reasons for retiring and the situation regarding his remaining salary. If Sam did it, all hell would break loose!

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/why-supe ... ess-33330/

[fozzieskem]

And if he does return I get the feeling it’ll be with Wigan but we shall see

[Charriots Offiah]

His brother Tom is saying that his shoulder is shot.

[josie andrews]

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/the-shou ... urn-33358/

[Blackpool_Pie]

His brother Tom is saying that his shoulder is shot.

3 year marquee deal at Wigan in that case