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Exclusive: Rhinos wanted Bulls to give up Burgess
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| Sam Burgess found his name dragged into the Iestyn Harris dispute |
Leeds Rhinos offered to wipe out the Bulls' Iestyn Harris debt - by taking Great Britain star Sam Burgess.
The long-running legal saga over Harris has finally come to an end, with Bradford making an out-of-court settlement to their fierce rivals.
It is believed to be a hefty six-figure sum but Leeds first audaciously tried tempting them - promising to write it all off in exchange for their biggest name.
Burgess, 19, is rated the world's finest up-and-coming talent and is the current Super League Young Player of the Year. He is under contract until the end of next season but rumours have been rife that champions Leeds would target the formidable prop's signature now, providing an easy get-out for the Bulls as they tried to stave off a costly High Court date.
An exchange between the club's power-brokers DID take place around a month ago, with the subject discussed, but Bradford refused to entertain the idea.
Any transfer would have proved a hammer blow both to Bradford and their fans, who have seen the teenager come through the Academy ranks to take the rugby league world by storm.
Losing him to their arch-rivals as the end sum of the whole Harris case would have been too much to bear, especially with Leeds having already smashed them on the pitch twice this season.
Table-toppers Rhinos, with Burgess' elder brother Luke in form, are also eight points clear of them in Super League.
However, Bradford have now reached a financial agreement with their rivals - and apologised for their part in Harris's ill-fated transfer four years ago.
The clubs have been at loggerheads ever since Bradford signed former Rhinos captain Harris on his return from Welsh rugby union in 2004.
A High Court ruled almost three years ago that Leeds had first call on their former player but the clubs have only now come to a settlement, with Bradford paying the undisclosed sum in compensation and costs.
| Bradford Bulls now accept that, although when they signed Mr Harris they believed that they were free to sign him and acted in good faith in doing so, they now appreciate that in fact Mr Harris was committed to sign for Leeds Rhinos at the time, and apologise to Leeds Rhinos for doing so. Bradford Bulls have also agreed to pay Leeds Rhinos appropriate compensation and costs | | Bulls statement |
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The Headingley outfit had claimed the Bulls induced the stand-off to break his contract, something Bradford had always denied.
The issue was heading for High Court with Leeds seeking an amazing £3.2million compensation.
But a joint-statement from the clubs said: "Bradford Bulls now accept that, although when they signed Mr Harris they believed that they were free to sign him and acted in good faith in doing so, they now appreciate that in fact Mr Harris was committed to sign for Leeds Rhinos at the time, and apologise to Leeds Rhinos for doing so.
"Bradford Bulls have also agreed to pay Leeds Rhinos appropriate compensation and costs."
They also issued an apology for comments made by chairman Peter Hood earlier this year in which he claimed the tug-of-war could cost his club more than £3million if they lost another court case and that could have driven the Bulls - who have racked up legal costs themselves of £120,000 alone - into bankruptcy.
The statement continued: "Bradford Bulls also wish to make it clear that the comments made by their chairman, Peter Hood, reported in the press at the end of January 2008, were not intended to give the impression that Leeds Rhinos' claims against Harris and Bradford Bulls were motivated by anything other than the protection of Leeds Rhinos' interests."
Rhinos chief executive Hetherington said: "Naturally, we are pleased with the outcome and the fact that the matter is now settled and laid to rest.
"Four years is a long time and we're delighted the matter has been concluded."
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6:56am Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Adrian, Bradford on 7:43am Fri 9 May 08
Not exactly shocking news, I think we would have all guessed that he'd be Leeds No.1 target. Now all we need to do is get him signed up on a long term deal and make sure he doesn't get away at the end of 2009.
Not exactly shocking news, I think we would have all guessed that he'd be Leeds No.1 target. Now all we need to do is get him signed up on a long term deal and make sure he doesn't get away at the end of 2009.
Posted by: Mick De Bull, Odsal on 8:04am Fri 9 May 08
Tell Leeds to take a running jump, they have already got Peacock from us because of Harris wages, They can have Harris back coz he is CRAP & as fast as a snail, he needs a kick up the ****
Tell Leeds to take a running jump, they have already got Peacock from us because of Harris wages, They can have Harris back coz he is CRAP & as fast as a snail, he needs a kick up the ****
Posted by: Adrian, Bradford on 8:25am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Mick De Bull[/bold] wrote:
Tell Leeds to take a running jump, they have already got Peacock from us because of Harris wages, They can have Harris back coz he is CRAP & as fast as a snail, he needs a kick up the ****[/quote] It would indeed be a very hard pill to swallow if we'd got hammered twice, learned that Peacock never wanted to leave in the first place AND lost Burgess all for the price of Iestyn Harris. A player who hasn't done anything to improve us or make us any more dangerous since he took the field in 2004.
Mick De Bull wrote:
Tell Leeds to take a running jump, they have already got Peacock from us because of Harris wages, They can have Harris back coz he is CRAP & as fast as a snail, he needs a kick up the ****
It would indeed be a very hard pill to swallow if we'd got hammered twice, learned that Peacock never wanted to leave in the first place AND lost Burgess all for the price of Iestyn Harris. A player who hasn't done anything to improve us or make us any more dangerous since he took the field in 2004.
Posted by: YEADONSTAR, idle on 10:20am Fri 9 May 08
A typical rhino ploy,bit like the bully in the play ground,glad bradford paid money instead of letting burger go,know lets move on starting with a win in challenge cup, sunday..oh and getting rid of harris,whose well past his sell by date.
A typical rhino ploy,bit like the bully in the play ground,glad bradford paid money instead of letting burger go,know lets move on starting with a win in challenge cup, sunday..oh and getting rid of harris,whose well past his sell by date.
Posted by: YEADONSTAR, idle on 10:21am Fri 9 May 08
A typical rhino ploy,bit like the bully in the play ground,glad bradford paid money instead of letting burger go,know lets move on starting with a win in challenge cup, sunday..oh and getting rid of harris,whose well past his sell by date.
A typical rhino ploy,bit like the bully in the play ground,glad bradford paid money instead of letting burger go,know lets move on starting with a win in challenge cup, sunday..oh and getting rid of harris,whose well past his sell by date.
Posted by: ruth, leeds on 10:38am Fri 9 May 08
Hetherington is probably rubbing his hands in glee that he has got one over on the Bulls - apart from NOT getting Burgess. IMO he( Hetherington) was the one who brought the game into disrepute because he was and still is a selfcentred, opinionated, arrogant t***. The RFL should have stepped in and sorted it out,that way the sport would not have lost face in the eyes of many. This farce will simmer on for a very long time because the Rhino "fans" will rub it in whenever they get the chance. WHY has this great sport of ours been dragged down to such a petty minded level - ask the chairmen of the two clubs for the answer.
Hetherington is probably rubbing his hands in glee that he has got one over on the Bulls - apart from NOT getting Burgess. IMO he( Hetherington) was the one who brought the game into disrepute because he was and still is a selfcentred, opinionated, arrogant t***. The RFL should have stepped in and sorted it out,that way the sport would not have lost face in the eyes of many. This farce will simmer on for a very long time because the Rhino "fans" will rub it in whenever they get the chance. WHY has this great sport of ours been dragged down to such a petty minded level - ask the chairmen of the two clubs for the answer.
Posted by: Reppy, bradford, west yorkshire on 10:54am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]ruth[/bold] wrote:
Hetherington is probably rubbing his hands in glee that he has got one over on the Bulls - apart from NOT getting Burgess. IMO he( Hetherington) was the one who brought the game into disrepute because he was and still is a selfcentred, opinionated, arrogant t***. The RFL should have stepped in and sorted it out,that way the sport would not have lost face in the eyes of many. This farce will simmer on for a very long time because the Rhino "fans" will rub it in whenever they get the chance. WHY has this great sport of ours been dragged down to such a petty minded level - ask the chairmen of the two clubs for the answer.[/quote] Well said
ruth wrote:
Hetherington is probably rubbing his hands in glee that he has got one over on the Bulls - apart from NOT getting Burgess. IMO he( Hetherington) was the one who brought the game into disrepute because he was and still is a selfcentred, opinionated, arrogant t***. The RFL should have stepped in and sorted it out,that way the sport would not have lost face in the eyes of many. This farce will simmer on for a very long time because the Rhino "fans" will rub it in whenever they get the chance. WHY has this great sport of ours been dragged down to such a petty minded level - ask the chairmen of the two clubs for the answer.
Well said
Posted by: micksey, wibsey on 11:20am Fri 9 May 08
This is all Chris Caisley's doing. Let's not forget that, him and Nobby. Ah well, a sorry chapter closes.
This is all Chris Caisley's doing. Let's not forget that, him and Nobby. Ah well, a sorry chapter closes.
Posted by: AGJ, Bradford on 12:01pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]micksey[/bold] wrote:
This is all Chris Caisley's doing. Let's not forget that, him and Nobby. Ah well, a sorry chapter closes.[/quote] Yes I agree - notice they both jumped ship.
Onwards and upwards I say.
micksey wrote:
This is all Chris Caisley's doing. Let's not forget that, him and Nobby. Ah well, a sorry chapter closes.
Yes I agree - notice they both jumped ship.
Onwards and upwards I say.
Posted by: flashdonut, Bradford on 12:32pm Fri 9 May 08
Look, if Leeds were to sign Volcano we would all be gunning for them.
We made a blunder and had to pay the price.
The good thing is that Peter Hood has stood his ground well, looked at all legal avenues untill it was clear we were in the wrong, then settled out of court to save further legal fees and also managed to do it without losing Burgess.
Whatever people (mainly Whinos) say about Hood, he has managed to get the club out of a sticky situation with relative dignity and the best teenager in the world.
We all know Hetherington is at Leeds to get as much money as he can as well.
Roll on 2 or 3 years, when are invincible juniors are slapping the Rhinos of the park.
Look, if Leeds were to sign Volcano we would all be gunning for them.
We made a blunder and had to pay the price.
The good thing is that Peter Hood has stood his ground well, looked at all legal avenues untill it was clear we were in the wrong, then settled out of court to save further legal fees and also managed to do it without losing Burgess.
Whatever people (mainly Whinos) say about Hood, he has managed to get the club out of a sticky situation with relative dignity and the best teenager in the world.
We all know Hetherington is at Leeds to get as much money as he can as well.
Roll on 2 or 3 years, when are invincible juniors are slapping the Rhinos of the park.
Posted by: Simon, Bradford on 1:22pm Fri 9 May 08
What annoys me in all this is that we asked the RFL for clarification first and they said it was fine to go ahead. WE acted under the instruction of the games governing body and when it get silly the RFL run and hide.
What annoys me in all this is that we asked the RFL for clarification first and they said it was fine to go ahead. WE acted under the instruction of the games governing body and when it get silly the RFL run and hide.
Posted by: BigBullyBooaza, Bradford on 2:28pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Simon[/bold] wrote:
What annoys me in all this is that we asked the RFL for clarification first and they said it was fine to go ahead. WE acted under the instruction of the games governing body and when it get silly the RFL run and hide.[/quote] One major flaw in that though is that you are expecting the RFL to act like the sports governing body.
Not a load of old men on a big jolly who, when they have to go in to work, spend all day making weird decisions!
Simon wrote:
What annoys me in all this is that we asked the RFL for clarification first and they said it was fine to go ahead. WE acted under the instruction of the games governing body and when it get silly the RFL run and hide.
One major flaw in that though is that you are expecting the RFL to act like the sports governing body.
Not a load of old men on a big jolly who, when they have to go in to work, spend all day making weird decisions!
Posted by: drakeman, 2 mins from the bulls on 4:24pm Fri 9 May 08
I had a feeling they would try taking our prized asset.
they,ll just have to make do with the money
I had a feeling they would try taking our prized asset.
they,ll just have to make do with the money
Posted by: doctor.t, costa blanca on 4:35pm Fri 9 May 08
How times change,though.
I remember,back in 2004,thinking Jeez,at last we've got a world class stand off.
My last word on this subject.
How times change,though.
I remember,back in 2004,thinking Jeez,at last we've got a world class stand off.
My last word on this subject.
Posted by: PWW of Idle, Bradford on 5:39pm Fri 9 May 08
If Leeds were so upset at us "pinching" one of their "Star" performers , then surely they should have requested that we x'fer him over to them (Free of charge)& when they would also request "compensation" for the amount of world class play shown by [bold]IH[/bold] , we should have obliged , IE about 1p I would have thought about right !
If Leeds were so upset at us "pinching" one of their "Star" performers , then surely they should have requested that we x'fer him over to them (Free of charge)& when they would also request "compensation" for the amount of world class play shown by
IH , we should have obliged , IE about 1p I would have thought about right !
Posted by: BigBullyBooaza, Bradford on 7:05pm Fri 9 May 08
Does anyone else think we've got away with paying a lot less than Leeds would have been happy with by the fact that they haven't diclosed the amount?
I reckon we're probably talking about 100 000 plus costs.
Does anyone else think we've got away with paying a lot less than Leeds would have been happy with by the fact that they haven't diclosed the amount?
I reckon we're probably talking about 100 000 plus costs.
Posted by: cj on 9:17pm Fri 9 May 08
i remember the game at shedingly when we were all cheering iestyn is a bull now etc etc, we got hammered that night as well! just a bloody farce from start to finish, thanks mr caisly and mr noble. once harris is gone then we will be rid of the whole fiasco.
i remember the game at shedingly when we were all cheering iestyn is a bull now etc etc, we got hammered that night as well! just a bloody farce from start to finish, thanks mr caisly and mr noble. once harris is gone then we will be rid of the whole fiasco.
Posted by: haitch, Lincolnshire on 9:50pm Fri 9 May 08
It's gone. Forget it! They told me what I wanted to know, it's a cash settlement and Burgess stays. That'll do eh!!
It's gone. Forget it! They told me what I wanted to know, it's a cash settlement and Burgess stays. That'll do eh!!
Posted by: drakeman, 2 mins from the bulls on 11:19pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]haitch[/bold] wrote:
It's gone. Forget it! They told me what I wanted to know, it's a cash settlement and Burgess stays. That'll do eh!![/quote] Yeap hopefully the bods in charge will use there heads before they try and get one over there rivals.
haitch wrote:
It's gone. Forget it! They told me what I wanted to know, it's a cash settlement and Burgess stays. That'll do eh!!
Yeap hopefully the bods in charge will use there heads before they try and get one over there rivals.
Posted by: micksey, wibsey on 10:04am Sat 10 May 08
I agree with Big Bully 'undisclosed sum' sounds like not a massive amount to me. I know for a fact the Bulls never expected the whinos to take it to court cos they didn't think they'd win. This sounds like a face saving measure for them and an affordable conclusion for us. The future starts here.
I agree with Big Bully 'undisclosed sum' sounds like not a massive amount to me. I know for a fact the Bulls never expected the whinos to take it to court cos they didn't think they'd win. This sounds like a face saving measure for them and an affordable conclusion for us. The future starts here.
Posted by: LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. on 1:03pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]micksey[/bold] wrote:
I agree with Big Bully 'undisclosed sum' sounds like not a massive amount to me. I know for a fact the Bulls never expected the whinos to take it to court cos they didn't think they'd win. This sounds like a face saving measure for them and an affordable conclusion for us. The future starts here.[/quote] Obviously if we have had to pay up out of court then us, and them must have thought they were going to win.
micksey wrote:
I agree with Big Bully 'undisclosed sum' sounds like not a massive amount to me. I know for a fact the Bulls never expected the whinos to take it to court cos they didn't think they'd win. This sounds like a face saving measure for them and an affordable conclusion for us. The future starts here.
Obviously if we have had to pay up out of court then us, and them must have thought they were going to win.
Posted by: cj on 2:56pm Sat 10 May 08
surely if they thought they were going to win then they would have taken it all the way. says to me that both clubs just wanted it out of the way.
surely if they thought they were going to win then they would have taken it all the way. says to me that both clubs just wanted it out of the way.
Posted by: OtleyBull, Otley on 11:53am Sun 11 May 08
If we had let them take Burgess than I would have stopped going to the games out of protest. I cant put into words how much I hate Leeds. Bully Bully
If we had let them take Burgess than I would have stopped going to the games out of protest. I cant put into words how much I hate Leeds. Bully Bully
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