George Burgess will not play for the Dragons on Thursday night, as the NRL considers enforcing its no-fault stand-down policy on him.
Burgess was on Monday charged by police with “sexually touch another person without consent” and will face court on April 13.
Less than 24 hours later, he was named in the extended squad for St George Illawarra’s round three game against Cronulla on Thursday night.
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But an NRL statement confirmed Burgess will not play the game, and he may yet be stood down by the governing body while his court case awaits.
The NRL brought in its controversial no-fault stand-down policy three years ago, giving them the discretionary power to stand a player down who is facing serious criminal charges.
Burgess’ Dragons teammate, Jack de Belin, was stood down under the policy for three years while he stood trial for rape.
“George Burgess has not been selected for tomorrow night’s NRL game,” the NRL said
“Following Burgess being charged with a criminal offence, the NRL is continuing to consider all available information and will offer the player or his representatives the opportunity to speak with the NRL.
“Once the NRL has considered all available information, a decision will be made in the coming days concerning the application of the game’s no-faul stand-down policy.”
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