The big questions Rabbitohs star Tom Burgess’ NFL trial creates

TOM Burgess’ shock NFL trial raises plenty of questions at the Rabbitohs just weeks after his big brother’s return.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

TOM Burgess’ shock NFL trial raises plenty of questions over what is happening at the Rabbitohs.

The potential move to follow former NRL star Jarryd Hayne to the NFL could have a huge impact on the famous South Sydney club.

IS HE SERIOUS?

The Steeden is a bit easier to catch than the Wilson.

NRL stats lists Tom Burgess as one of the worst offenders for handling errors in the 2015 NRL season.

The prop reportedly trialled as a tight end for the New York Giants — a position where he will have to do much more than just block opposition defenders.

Burgess will have to be able to catch the ball if he is any chance of making the unlikely transition.

Burgess had 17 handling errors in his 25 appearances last season while mostly playing a role that sees the ball passed softly ahead of his chest without needing to worry about defensive interference or traffic.

The Giants have put up exclusive shots of Tom Burgess' trial pic.twitter.com/6E0kvQZien

— Matthew Perry (@Chandler_BANG) December 3, 2015

I will eat a can of cat food if Tom Burgess plays a regular season NFL game next year. Can't catch, and they're not signing him to block.

— Mitch (@mdoyle08) December 3, 2015

However, there were similar doubts made about Jarryd Hayne before he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s been reported the Giants hold trials on an almost weekly basis and it is not irregular for them to put up to five players through their paces in one session.

Australian bookmakers rate Burgess’ chances of following Jarryd Hayne onto an active franchise roster as surprisingly plausible.

William Hill spokesman Tim Ashworth said the corporate bookmaker is not joking about its market for Burgess to plan an NFL match.

“First it was the Hayne Plane, but we’re already on-board the Tom Train,” Ashworth said.

“Most of us gave Jarryd Hayne slim to no chance when taking the same leap last year, so this time around we’ve got a little more faith in ‘Tight-End’ Tom hopefully making waves stateside.”

The betting agency is offering $15 for Burgess to make a gameday active roster.

What team will Tom Burgess play for in the #NFL? @Giants $1.45 Any Other Team $2.80 @nyjets $7.50 @49ers $17 @Seahawks $26 @Patriots $34

— Tim Ashworth (@Tim_Ashworth) December 4, 2015

SAM BURGESS’ RETURN

The Bunnies got their man.

THE Rabbitohs have had to hold a firesale in an attempt to squeeze star forward Sam Burgess into their salary cap for next season.

After a nightmare year in English rugby, which culminated in England’s failure to reach the knockout stages at its own World Cup, Burgess made a triumphant return to South Sydney last month although his contract remains unsanctioned by the NRL and tied up in red tape.

To accommodate the English star the Rabbitohs have already granted star centre Dylan Walker a release and are reportedly also looking to move on Queensland State of Origin forward Chris McQueen, who is being chased by the Titans and Panthers.

Forward Chris Grevsmuhl is also reportedly being shopped around to rival clubs.

While there has been no link between Sam’s return and Tom’s potential exit, the prop’s NFL pursuit would obviously free up significant space in the club’s salary cap.

The Rabbitohs released an ambiguous statement on Friday in which coach Michael Maguire did not declare the club would refuse to grant Tom a release or announce the club was content to see him walk away.

“We’re fully supportive of our players trying to improve themselves,” Maguire said.

“This will provide a unique and valuable experience for Thomas, one that he will no doubt learn a lot from and in turn be able to bring back to the Rabbitohs for the coming season.”

Tom Burgess is contracted until the end of 2018.

RABBITOHS PACK

South Sydney Rabbitoh Tom Burgess.

THERE is no doubt the Rabbitohs look a much more intimidating pack with Sam Burgess back in the mix, but the loss of Thomas Burgess would still be massive for the club.

Thomas is coming off his best NRL season having played in 25 matches for the Bunnies, where he averaged more than 138m per game while helping to fill the void left by his older brother.

The Rabbitohs have already lost Glenn Stewart, Ben Lowe and are expected to lose Chris McQueen, Tim Grant and Chris Grevsmuhl.

The Bunnies also appear light on for front-rowers if Tom Burgess is not at the burrow in 2016.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE GIANTS?

Eli Manning throws to... Tom Burgess?

New York Giants fan site giants101.com says the team needs to add to its depth of tight ends and believes Tom Burgess could be a good fit.

“The Giants are interested in him as a potential blocking tight end,” sports writer Kyle Langan wrote.

“With Daniel Fells and Larry Donnell out of the lineup, Will Tye out of Stonybrook College has stepped in. Tye is an adequate receiver but a poor blocker.

“This is where Burgess may step in.”

Originally published as The big questions Rabbitohs star Tom Burgess’ NFL trial creates