Burgess defends himself on social media after ban
LONDON: George Burgess has defended his character after being handed a fourmatch ban that rules him out of South Sydney’s opening three matches of the 2019 NRL season.
The England forward was found guilty of an eye gouge on Dallin WateneZelezniak in its test win over New Zealand in Liverpool at the weekend.
Burgess will miss Sunday’s third test against the Kiwis before serving his NRL ban.
Burgess took to social media to defend himself.
‘‘I want to make it completely clear to everyone that it was never my intention to ever gauge [sic] anyone,’’ he said on Twitter after the hearing.
‘‘It is not in my makeup as a rugby league player and never has been. I sincerely apologise to anyone who thinks bad of me after seeing the footage.
‘‘I accept my punishment but I will never accept that I gauged [sic] a fellow player’s eye intentionally. I have too much respect for the players I play against and with.’’
The incident, which occurred 20 minutes from the end of England’s 2014 victory, went unpunished by referee Gerard Sutton.
WateneZelezniak, the Kiwis skipper, brushed off the clash in his postmatch interviews.
However, the Rugby Football League announced on Monday that New Zealand cited the incident and Burgess was referred to a disciplinary hearing.
The Rabbitoh was also fined £500 ($NZ970), but has the option to appeal.
Kiwis and Penrith fullback WateneZelezniak had to have treatment for the injury, shortly after coming into contact on the ground with Burgess.
The suspension is a major blow for Souths, which face defendingpremiers Sydney Roosters in the opening round before a clash with the traditionally faststarting St George Illawarra at Kogarah.
The Rabbitohs are already facing an uncertain start to their preseason, with speculation continuing to mount that Anthony Seibold and Wayne Bennett’s coaching swap will come within weeks.