South Sydney linchpin Sam Burgess half a chance to play Newcastle Knights

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 9 years ago

South Sydney linchpin Sam Burgess half a chance to play Newcastle Knights

By Michael Carayannis

South Sydney forward Sam Burgess rates himself a “50-50” chance of overcoming a shoulder injury in time to play Newcastle on Sunday.

Burgess said he would not take any risks with the injury after initially fearing his rugby league stint was over before his defection to rugby union at the end of this year when he walked from the field against Canberra on Monday night.

Sam Burgess is a "50-50" chance to take on the Knights.

Sam Burgess is a "50-50" chance to take on the Knights.Credit: Getty Images

“I’m not definite,” Burgess said. “I have a few tests to do later in the week. I have not trained yet. If I’m not right I won’t play. I’ve been doing no rehab. There’s no point moving it. Plenty of ice and compression treatment with the physios, eating and sleeping well. I’m trying to do as little as I can to let it heal as much as I can.”

South Sydney captain John Sutton is out for about six weeks with an ankle injury and Luke Keary will replace him. Souths face a Newcastle side boosted by the return of Kurt Gidley in place of the injured Jarrod Mullen. Even if Aku Uate returns from a knee injury, the former Test winger could be relegated to NSW Cup following the strong performances of Jake Memo and Chanel Mata’utia.

Despite an ongoing ankle injury, Jorge Taufua is expected to play for Manly against Brisbane. Canterbury and Penrith should be 1-17.

Cronulla captain Paul Gallen will miss at least another week for the Sharks because his biceps injury is worse than first thought. The Sharks host an unchanged Eels n Saturday afternoon.

The Titans are battling a flu outbreak that has swept through the team. James Roberts (hip) and Paul Carter (ankle) are also in doubt. Veteran Luke Bailey is a chance to return from a hamstring injury to play a Cowboys side boosted by the inclusion of Matt Scott.

The Roosters and St George Illawarra should be as named for their game.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson remains sidelined with an ongoing groin injury. He will be replaced by Thomas Leuluai to play the Raiders.

Luke Brooks remains in severe doubt for the Tigers with a shoulder complaint. Cory Paterson filled in the halves while Brooks and Blake Austin watched on in the side’s only hit-out this week on Tuesday. Robbie Farah is expected to return to training on Friday and take his place to play Melbourne.

Most Viewed in Sport

Loading