South Sydney forward George Burgess’ NRL season has hit a new low after he accepted a four-game ban for a shoulder charge on Brisbane’s Anthony Milford.
The Rabbitohs took the early guilty plea on Burgess’ grade two charge for the 63rd-minute hit on Friday night, ruling him out until after the club’s round 13 bye.
The suspension is the latest setback to a troubled start to the year for Burgess and comes two weeks after his return from a two-game striking charge in round three.
The Englishman escaped sanction for an elbow in round six and was overlooked by Souths coach Michael Maguire in round one due to poor form.
Burgess’ ban compounds the Rabbitohs’ controversial one-point loss to the Broncos that was marred by refereeing mistakes that cost them a spot in the top eight.
Veteran teammate John Sutton admitted feeling frustrated by the inability of Burgess to stay off the sidelines given his impact on the field.
Burgess had carried the ball for 117 metres against the Broncos.
“His runs in the game were very strong but you can’t shoulder charge and we’ll just cop what he gets and move on,” Sutton said on Sunday.
“George has been going well for us. He’s had a couple of brain snaps but he’s just going to have to spend some time on the sideline, work hard and get back on the field.”
Burgess would have risked a five-game ban had he chosen to fight the charge and he’ll now miss games against Manly, Wests Tigers, Melbourne and Parramatta.
Forwards Robbie Rochow and Tyrell Fuimaono are among the candidates to be named in Burgess’ place for their next match against the Sea Eagles on Friday.
Halfback Adam Reynolds is set to return from a one-game absence with a hip problem.
The Barry
Roar Guru
His poor form last year was put down to injuries. I thought he got his injuries right in the off season?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Long overdue suspension Maybe he should take up MMA in that time. He seems to have no interest in playing actual football and won't have to hold one
kk
Roar Pro
I agree re Milford he is becoming a top milker.
kk
Roar Pro
Hi 3Hats. Like I said... 'supposedly' That $1M surprised. Do you know if Souths still have to pay George while he is suspended
Gold Coast bunny
Guest
No doubt his form has improved but that's not the issue. His ill discipline is. Certainly been more than the Milford shoulder charge. Madge needs to make a stand.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
I think George is homesick.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
George won't be going back to the Bears as his last 2 games have been really good with the exception of 1 incident... Milford, who deserves what he gets, the bloody cheat!
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
It is a combination of things as George started the year with a few injuries that aren't quite right. I doubt that he is getting enough sleep with the New Baby.
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Too many Burgesses - the twins should play for different clubs - both have done naff all since 2014-time to move them both on I suggest
Gold Coast bunny
Guest
4 weeks to reflect and a couple of weeks back in the Bears to make sure he knows that this crap won't be tolerated hopefully will get him back on the right track
The Barry
Roar Guru
I hope GB can get his head right in his time on the pine. I think his footy has been slowly improving after a poor start but the constant penalties and over the top outbursts perhaps speak to a frustrated player. Hopefully some time away will help.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
That is RUBBISH mate, George is on $500K. NOT $1M Sam Burgess himself is only on $850K
andrew
Guest
Yeah but he has a clause in his contract that he has to pay back $3.50 to the Club every time he drops the ball... so they are just about all square at the moment :)
Emcie
Roar Guru
If I was the coach I'd still have him working, just nothing team related. The back yard could use some landscaping...
kk
Roar Pro
George is supposedly on $1m for 2017 NRL season. (Say)$40,000 per game. Do Souths still have to pay him full tote odds? If so, it's a double whammy. No George but $160,000 down the tubes.