South Sydney and England forward George Burgess will miss two matches after he unsuccessfully challenged his Grade 2 contrary conduct charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.
Burgess was hoping to downgrade the charge at the NRL judiciary which would have enabled him to play in Week Two of the finals if South Sydney defeat the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium in their elimination Final on Sunday afternoon.
The charge means Burgess will not play again this season unless South Sydney make the Preliminary Final.
The Rabbitohs face Cronulla in an Elimination Final on Sunday, with the winner traveling to Queensland to face the loser of Saturday night’s derby between the Broncos and Cowboys.
South Sydney would need to win both games for Burgess to play again this season.
