The Cessnock Goannas have been rocked ahead of this weekend's derby clash with Kurri by the double departure of talented brothers Gerome and Denzel Burns after six weeks of the new season.
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The duo, who had been outstanding off-season acquisitions, didn't play in last weekend's loss to Central and have headed back to Queensland.
"It's a massive setback ... basically they've walked out," Cessnock coach Todd Edwards said. "It came as a shock for everyone. For them to suddenly leave their teammates like that ... incredibly disappointing. I think there's a bit of homesickness there."
Gerome, the clever halfback, and Denzel, a lightning fast outside back, had been two of Cessnock's best in their opening four wins of the season. In fact they had been selected in the Newcastle Rebels squad for the opening representative fixture of the season.
Edwards said the brothers had expressed frustration that they hadn't managed to get a game with the Knights.
"I told them it was only a matter of time because they had been playing some top football, but they were growing impatient," he said.
"The loss of Gerome, in particular, is a huge blow because so many of your plays go through the halfback. Signing a good half is hard enough in the off-season, but try signing one in May. I'm looking though ... I've even reached out to players in the UK."