Souths consider rolling dice on Burgess

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says the club is considering challenging George Burgess’ dangerous contact charge which would risk sidelining the English prop for up to three weeks.

Burgess was charged for a “chicken wing” tackle on Manly centre Steve Matai in the side’s 23-4 win over the Sea Eagles on Friday night.

He will miss two weeks with an early guilty plea and three weeks if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge.

Hooker Issac Luke was charged for his involvement in the same tackle but will be free to play with an early guilty plea.

Maguire said the club was examining the incident closely and may contest it at the judiciary.

“We are looking at it,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s a real tough one, it was a really awkward position that they both found themselves in and there was no intent about it.

“For us we have to look at each part of the tackle and decide which way we want to go.”

Maguire said John Sutton would not make an early return from a knee injury against Brisbane at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night.

But he said he expected Queensland and Australian centre Justin Hodges to line up for the Broncos clash despite battling a hamstring problem.

The Rabbitohs rocketed into competition favouritism following the side’s win over ladder leaders Manly at the SCG.

A month ago the side was under pressure following two straight losses but has regained momentum with four wins on the trot.

Maguire said form was fickle in the NRL and they were wary of 10th-placed Brisbane who rebounded with a big win over Canterbury last week.

“This competition is a very tight competition, every two points is vital,” he said.

“You look at what happened a month ago, that can turn very quickly for any team.

“For us, it’s all about doing everything possible to get this two points.

“They are vital points you need for the back end of the season.”

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