Yes, I’d agree - unless Burgess thinks his head isn’t 100% in it at present?

And I know we'd love him to stay, but just look at how well Smithies has done. He'll have leapfrogged Knowles as back up to Radley now in England team.

I think Walker and O'Neill are the England hookers for the next decade but if only one is picked, then the improvement that would come in his game from playing in the NRL can't be underestimated.

Not sure Canberra fans would agree with you regarding Smithies - they’re not over enamoured.

Must admit, I don't follow the nrl that closely but I've not heard positive comments indirectly like I did about Hodgson, Sutton and bateman

He's played every game, 60 minutes each week, tops tackle count fairly often. And his coach is Ricky Stuart who wouldn't accept mediocrity.

He wouldn't make it over there IMO. Gratitude for you, Clark tuned down the opportunity we then (a few years later) let him move on to promote the young Walker into the starting 9 position, a year later Walker potentially jumps ship. Cant blame him in some respects

I dunno, Hodgson was pretty average over here, tricky worked wonders with him

If he did go, i'd look at picking up Sam Davis from london. Brilliant player who would do really well under Burgess. I must admit i'm not up to speed with our youth academy so don't know if we have anyone who could step in for Walker.
Anyone know if we have a player who could step up?

We have Ben Hartill who is our current reserve team hooker.

He is a good prospect and should make the 1st team regularly in the future.

I`ve heard we are already looking at signing another hooker, to replace Walker though.

A player you might want to start looking at is Oldham's 6ft 4" 23 year old 2nd row George Hirst. SB's a big admirer.

Wouldn't cost much on the cap, and has huge potential.