Burgess says banned brother will bounce back
SAM Burgess says the two-match striking suspension for younger brother George will be the “line in the sand” moment as the young prop looks to finally move on from a horrid 12 months.
Burgess pleaded guilty to striking Newcastle’s Mitch Barnett with his elbow during Saturday’s spiteful 24-18 win over the Knights.
The Bunnies also lost Hymel Hunt for four games for a high tackle on Brendan Elliot, while rookie winger Braidon Burns misses a game for a shoulder charge on Sione Mata’utia.
The triple suspension comes ahead of tomorrow’s local derby against the high-flying Roosters.
While Sam Burgess said Hunt “missed his target by six inches”, and Burns naturally braced during a “split-second decision”, there were no excuses for young “Georgie”, who was sin-binned for his wild elbow.
George has battled injury and spent time in the NSW Cup, but the latest setback would hopefully be the end of it, Sam said.
“George is disappointed in himself and knows he let the team down,” Burgess said.
“Everyone has challenges. George has had a tough challenge the past 12 months carrying injuries and being in and out of the team, but that’s not an excuse, and George knows that.
“He had a bit of a snap, it’s probably ‘draw the line in the sand’ from there and move forward now.”
Burgess’s suspension means twin Tom Burgess is likely to earn a recall for the Roosters clash. He has played reserve grade the past two matches.
Sitiveni Moceidreke bagged four tries for North Sydney on the weekend and could be in line for Burns’ wing spot, while Dane Nielsen is also available.