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Tom Burgess has asked fans to stay respectful to teammate Latrell Mitchell ahead of Friday night’s derby clash between his Bunnies and the Sydney Roosters, but expects no quarter to be given from Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Burgess and JWH were at the centre of the maelstrom the last time the pair met, the infamous finals match that saw six sin bins and multi-week bans for several players, including those two.
“It’s always chaotic against the Roosters,” said the England Test prop. “That one was a big game, finals game and we’d played them the week before. There’s always a lot of feeling and energy in these games.
“It feels like a long time ago now, for me anyway. That was last year and we have to move on, but the rivalry is always going to be there between the Roosters and Rabbitohs.”
JWH will likely make his first appearance of the year, and will be joined by the returning Victor Radley, who missed this weekend’s win over the New Zealand Warriors under concussion protocols.
“They’re big ins for them,” said Burgess. “They’re the enforcers. Victor the Inflictor, my old Pommy mate, I played with him at the World Cup and got to know him and saw a different side of him, but this week it’s the Roosters and he’s on the other side of that.
“It’ll be good to play against those boys, they always bring the heat. Jared’s been doing it for as long as I’ve been playing the NRL. He’s one of the warlords.”
But, said Burgess, it was important that the tension not boil over into abuse – as it did last week in Penrith, where Mitchell was allegedly racially abused by a young fan in a Chooks jersey.
“I think we should be celebrating the game and celebrating our athletes,” said Burgess. “Latrell’s played for the Roosters so there’s a bit of feeling there for them, but I don’t think he’s too bothered about the boos – he did win them two comps.
“It’s more a reflection on them than it is on him, and that’s something that he realises. It’s not about him, it’s them hurting a little bit too.
“I was at the boxing yesterday and there was plenty of people booing (Tony) Harrison, but I’m sure he wasn’t too bothered about it and just got on with the job.
“It’s part of the game, but be respectful and everyone will be happy. People need to think before they say things and hopefully the kid will learn from that and it’ll be a great lesson for everyone in the stands.
“I’m sure our fans boo their players too, but as long as it stays respectful then whatever happens on the field stays on the field. It’s a big rivalry, that’s why we love the game. I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere with lots of energy.”
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Souths are looking to rebound from defeat at the foot of the mountains. They started superbly with a win away at Cronulla, but were brought back to earth by a Panthers side that caught them cold on a short turnaround.
“There’s no doubt it was a factor,” said Burgess of the five-day gap between fixtures. “But it’s an excuse: we did all the right things to turn up for that game and it was a bit disappointing. It’s early in the season so we’ll go back and look at what we can improve.
“We need to learn from last week and not be a reactive team, but go at it. Feel the energy and put in the work with defensive presence.
“Nobody is going to struggle to get up for this game. It’s a longer turnaround, the boys are feeling fresher and hopefully we get Junior Tatola back.
“This is what it’s about when you play for Souths, playing the Roosters. I’m sure all the fans will be there on Friday night.”