South Sydney forward George Burgess is facing up to four NRL games on the sideline through suspension, this time for a shoulder charge.
Burgess has been given a grade-two charge for his 63rd minute hit on Brisbane’s Anthony Milford, in Friday’s controversial one-point loss to the Broncos.
The Englishman can have the suspension reduced to three games if he takes an early guilty plea but will miss another four games if he elects to fight the charge at the judiciary and loses.
Regardless, either outcome will see Burgess miss England’s Test with Samoa in Campbelltown on May 6.
Ironically, Milford could still turn out for the Samoans if he is cleared by Brisbane.
It’s the second time Burgess has been charged this year, after he copped a two-week ban for elbowing Newcastle’s Mitchell Barnett last month.
The 25-year-old was lucky to escape being cited last week against Canterbury, when he appeared to elbow Bulldogs forward Aiden Tolman in their Good Friday clash.
Burgess has endured a horror season at South Sydney.
He began the year in reserve grade for North Sydney after a disappointing Charity Shield outing against St George Illawarra, before playing in round two and being suspended in round three.
Burgess also conceded three penalties in Friday night’s loss, as his disciplinary struggles in 2017 continue.
His hit on Milford, just after the five-eighth had passed the ball, marked the second time the Brisbane No.6 was floored by a Burgess brother on Friday night.
Milford was forced from the field for a concussion check after a first-half high tackle from brother Sam but says the hit from George was tougher to overcome.
“I was sweet,” Milford said of the hit from Sam Burgess.
“The other one that rocked me more was from the other Burgess brother.”
steveng
Roar Rookie
The Barry, Milford can handle it, he's pretty tough and he shows that week in and week out. He's probably the toughest most awkward player to tackle in the NRL. But when it suits him he does milk penalties (not that what George did is right, the shoulder charge was stupid) but most of the time he puts on a show that the refs fall for. Must be very frustrating, aggravating to play against and its very annoying to watch.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It's good to get your aggro back against the smallest bloke on the field, from behind, after the ball is gone and with an illegal tackle. Is that having a go? To be honest I thought Tom and to a lesser extent George's running games were very good the other night. But they still only played 39 minutes each. Discipline and handling poor at critical times. For how much they're getting, their contribution still isn't up to scratch but they look like they're on the way up which is encouraging. Although G will be sitting out the next month.
kk
Roar Pro
steveng, Have always admired the Burgess family and their contribution to Rugby League. With all three signed until end of '18 at a cost of $2M plus per season it was important for all three to be firing. The twins have not delivered and George's 2014 form a distant memory. It crossed my mind that when he charged Milford he wanted to pull out of it knowing the problem his absence may cause in coming weeks. Sam seems to be still troubled by the injury to his right eye in the 2014 decider. I thought Souths, Manly and Easts would make the eight this year. Alas, only the latter two will be on the bus to Homebush in September, pending a miracle at Redfern.
steveng
Roar Rookie
At least George is having a go 'FINALLY' the shoulder charge was stupid but, it looks like George is getting the mongrel and agro into his game and his brain snaps are part and parcel of his new aggressive game. But, in saying all this, Milford gets away with lots and he must be a very frustrating aggravating player to play against especially in this game when the refs treat him with kit gloves.
M.O.C.
Roar Guru
Every week a player is suspended for a stupid act like that he should be fined by his club 2 weeks pay. That might solve the problem.
Michaelj
Guest
Better to ask what is wrong with NRL clubs in continuing to whinge about certain overseas players after promoting their presence here. They know what they're getting.
dayer
Guest
what is wrong with him ... he needs to wake up to himself, no self discipline at all. waste of money.