Rugby league: Former Leeds prop Luke Burgess 'breached discipline' before Rabbitohs exit
Sunday 8 February 2015 09:08, UK
Former Leeds prop Luke Burgess was punished for a breach of discipline before his sudden exit from South Sydney, it has been revealed.
The 27-year-old signed a two-year deal with Manly last month after being released by Souths despite having a year left on his contract.
The move was not explained at the time but it has since emerged that Burgess and ex-captain John Sutton were involved in an incident of "alleged disorderly behaviour" at the end of the club's high-altitude pre-season training camp in Arizona in December.
"The Rabbitohs informed the NRL integrity unit of the incident straight away and have kept the integrity unit informed along the way,” said a club statement.
"It related to alleged disorderly behaviour of the two players, who were charged.
"Despite the charges being withdrawn, the players were disciplined internally by the club for breaching the club's code of conduct, in consultation with the NRL, and the NRL is completely satisfied by the actions taken by the club."
Burgess joined the Rabbitohs from Leeds in 2011 and in 2014 helped them win the premiership for the first time in 43 years.
He helped make history two years ago when he played alongside brothers Sam, Tom and George in an NRL match against Wests Tigers.
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra full-back Josh Dugan is a doubt for his club's World Club Series clash with Warrington on February 21 after hyper-extending his knee in the Dragons' 12-12 draw with South Sydney in Saturday's Charity Shield at ANZ Stadium.
