George Burgess has two-match NRL ban upheld
Wednesday 9 September 2015 12:29, UK
England forward George Burgess has failed in his bid to overturn a two-match NRL suspension.
The South Sydney prop, younger brother of England rugby union international Sam, was banned for throwing a water bottle at an opponent during last Friday's 30-0 defeat by Sydney Roosters.
It means Dewsbury-born Burgess will only play again for the Rabbitohs this season if they reach the preliminary final and as a result he could go into the Test series against New Zealand without having played for two months.
If South Sydney lose to Cronulla in Sunday's sudden-death play-off tie it would mean Burgess' ban would have to be completed in his next match, which would be England's Test against France at Leigh on October 24.
England begin their three-match series against the Kiwis in Hull the following weekend.
England coach Steve McNamara, who is assistant coach of the Roosters, says he expects Souths to win this weekend, though, which would free Burgess up to face the French and boost his match fitness ahead of the New Zealand series.
Meanwhile, McNamara has a slight concern over the fitness of stand-off Gareth Widdop, who missed his first match of the season last weekend after picking up a quad injury in St George Illawarra's win over Gold Coast Titans.
Halifax-born Widdop has started England's last four matches in the No 6 jersey but he is not expected to play in the Dragons' elimination play-off against Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday.
McNamara said: "Gaz will hopefully be fine. I've left him alone this week as there are lots of mind games going on between teams at the minute but I will speak to him again after the game."
