Burgess stays defiant

EMBATTLED South Sydney captain Sam Burgess has vowed to stay true to himself on and off the NRL field — within reason.

Burgess on Monday received a suspended $10,000 fine and was forced to apologise for criticising the NRL judiciary last week.

His comments prompted NRL boss Todd Greenberg to haul Burgess into head office, however the Rabbitohs captain indicated the result was worth the fallout.

“I think we’d all like to see something better in place and Todd’s in that mindset as well, which is great for the game,” Burgess said yesterday. “No one wants to see players missHUGH BOWMAN ing this time of the year for small indiscretions that can be fineable. What the fix is, I don’t know. That’s something that needs to be thought out properly through time, given a lot of time and thought, and people’s opinions in an off-season.”

The governing body punished Burgess for labelling the judiciary a “kangaroo court”, which came after he was banned one game for hair pulling. While the 30-year-old conceded he had improvements to make on his on-field discipline, Burgess is adamant he will continue to speak out on key issues.

“I think it’s important to be yourself, I really do. It’s important to be honest, but within reason,” he said.

“You don’t want too much trouble.

“That was not my intention last week. My intention wholeheartedly was to be honest for the good of the game.

“Yes, I do flirt with the line playing the game. Of course, that’s me. That’s how I play. I don’t make apology for that.

“Sure, I’m trying to improve that but I’ve come to the to cause understanding that’s me. I like that way. I like me.

“Last week, was I too honest? Did I get my words wrong?

“OK, I’ll live with that. But did it make a positive change within the game? I think so. “And I’m happy for that. “The problem is everyone is experiencing frustrations. Obviously when you’re involved, you feel it more.”