SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Sam Burgess of the Rabbitohs looks on prior to the round 12 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium on May 31, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

South Sydney skipper Sam Burgess has whacked the NRL judiciary, labelling it a "kangaroo court".

Burgess missed his side's loss to the Roosters last week after receiving a one-match ban for pulling Billy Smith's hair in their round 25 clash, but will return for Friday night's meeting with Manly.

The Englishman questioned the current process of the judiciary system.

"Everyone seems to be in uproar about this judiciary system," Burgess told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Who is making calls here? Is there a discussion before these calls go out there? I don’t know.

"What’s the process? It’s like a kangaroo court in there.

"Regardless of what I think, [the NRL] have got to make the call. It’s everyone’s game, the fan’s game. Everyone is missing out."

Burgess criticised the potential suspension of Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for an alleged trip.

"I’m probably feeling what you’re feeling," Burgess said about frustrations over the judiciary and match review committee.

"Does everyone else not feel some of this stuff - everyone is trial by media, everything is social media, we’re just very reactive. We’re a multi-million dollar game and we’re ruling out players for big games.

"Just fine the player. Was it bad? Did anyone get injured? Is anyone hurt? No, no. Is it silly? Is it part of the game? Is it in the contest? Yeah.

"Alright then, let’s fine the player. Players will pay whatever, give it to charity, pour it into grassroots. Do something. Better than maybe senior players miss big games, that’s what we play nine months for.

"I guess the people who lead the game should speak to some of the senior players in the game about it. Instead of talking through the media about it, let’s talk like men. Let’s get together in a room."

He added: "We’re in a finals series but we’re not talking about the game. Do you know what I mean?"

"So what are we doing? Are we selling the game? Are we killing the game? What do you want to do?

"I want to sell the game, but yet we’re talking about all controversy and negative calls. Alright, whatever. Does that sell tickets?"

Burgess comments have come under scrutiny from the NRL, who have asked for a please explain.

All players are bound by the NRL Code of Conduct which does not permit them to make adverse comments about the judiciary.

Burgess will meet with NRL boss Todd Greenberg to explain his comments and why she shouldn't be handed a breach notice.

“On face value, Sam’s comments about the judiciary breach our Code of Conduct and are offensive to both the Chairman and members of the panel who carry out their duties impartially, without fear or favour,’’ Greenberg told NRL.com.

“We take a pragmatic view about most of the debate that occurs around the game. However, the NRL Judiciary is a longstanding and independent process based on the principles of natural justice in our court system.

“Our Chair is an esteemed Judge of the highest calibre and our panel members are former high-profile players who are independent from clubs. The integrity of the system and the people in it should never be questioned.”

The Rugby League Players Association have been invited to the meeting and a decision about whether Burgess is issued a breach notice will be decided afterwards.

20 COMMENTS

  1. Suspend the “Flasher” for at least the rest of 2019 and half way through 2020. Lets send these bl0w in wannabe tough guy convicts back.

    We are the real deal not this red coat. Go on send him packing back to Pommy land with his eye gouging brother. Hair pulling pansy.

  2. The flippant manner in which he refers to “just fining” makes it clear that just fining doesn’t have a particularly adverse affect on things. He really isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, is Sam.

    How his guilt was established in the media, I don’t know. He pulls hair, the game wants to get rid of lame little tactics like that – therefore he gets suspended.

    I’ll never agree with a player who says that tripping is never a suspension. Tripping is outright foul play that needs to be stamped out so we can be entertained more by the game.

    Also, controversy sells, so yeah, Sam pulling people’s hair and acting poorly does indeed help.

  3. A thrashing with a budgie’s feather would be more than enough punishment – Sam’s clearly frustrated so a quiet word in his ear to ease off should be enough. The system might be flawed but those involved undoubtedly do their job professionally and according to the constraints of the system.

  4. This is totally despicable behaviour, what sort of rebellious behavior is this sending to our children who idolize “the greatest game of all”

    I would suggest to the NRL to come down very roughly in this brute. 50k fine and 10 game suspension is in order here.

    All League players have a duty to promote our game. This player Burgess is a selfish big mouth Pom. Who wants to pull rookies hair.

  5. I agree WTP – there is a reason players face suspension after running up too many get of jail cards which is what fines are, and let’s face it, fines of $1,500 are little like being being deprived of lunch money for a person on Sam’s coin. That said, expressing frustration over the judiciary is hardly a hanging offence and different to what happens on the field.

  6. 38er take your snot green Myrtle and Cardinal red blood from two weeks of Roosters bashings glass off your melon and allow the NRL to give this Burgess a hefty fine and suspension, for bring our gane into disrepute.

  7. NRL appears to have become a dictatorship which only happens when the organisation is corrupt. Think of it this way, when their own Referees deliberately make bad decisions which change the outcome of the games, and ordinary people criticised them, then it becomes a no go. If the coaches complain, they are fined. When NRL themselves make blunders, never have they accepted responsibility. It is ALWAYS someone else’s fault. This clearly points to an organisation that is “Hanky Panky”.

    Sam is correct to some extent. But it is not the judiciary Panel which is a Kangaroo court, it the in fact the NRL which is a “Kangaroo NRL”.

  8. I didn’t write that you idiot 77, not sure what game your playing here , but all know on this site that you were woodi, rusty franko and any others i have missed, you need professional help 77, hang on , you said your real name was edward woodward last time ,that was way after you killed off woodchoook, you are a seriously deranged person, who I suspect is an inmate at some metal facility and has access to many lap tops that the doctors obviously allow to keep your small mind amused.

  9. Great idea Sam, regarding just a fine for anything other than a major incident, as long as the fine is a percentage of the player’s salary.
    Each game represents around 4% (from an employer perspective) of your salary so even a very minor breach would have to be, at the very least half that, or 2% (pushing $20k in his case), and up to around 10% for non suspendable incidents.
    Sound fair? It keeps key players in the games, which is fairer for fans, and better for the sport, so I think it’s a great idea.
    Add to that, let’s put that money to good use, like juniors, or charities etc. Both. You’re getting me excited. The money goes to development, and you (the penalised player) does some charity work. Win/Win.

  10. penso relax, after week 3 WillyWonka along with chookfeed and Back2smack19 will disappear for 2019 as they did after R25 until their stain won again.
    Souths v Storm GF will be the end of Sybil.
    😂😂😂🤣🤣

  11. Hi Twentyone, you have been pretty much hiding since The World Champion Sydney Roosters and current Premiers belted up those thrashed rabbits 30-6, you rabbit.

  12. Great to see thousands getting behind Sam after all the on and off field bias shown towards the roosters has become diabolical.
    Klein sacked, judiciary given the riot act,
    Enough is enough.
    Even playing field equals goodbye cap burglars roosters.

  13. How about the likes of Burgess, JWH not putting in the dirt all the time . Then they wouldn’t have to worry about being suspended. They often get off lightly in the first place.
    JWH should have been suspected 3 times & he gets 1 week altogether.

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