Burgess blasts referee

Sam Burgess has ripped into referee Robert Hicks after the defeat to England, saying Hicks’ performance in the Four Nations match was not good enough.

Hicks blew 18 penalties in the game in London, most in the first half, with England winning the penalty count 10-8.

Burgess said after the match that Australia captain Cameron Smith had reminded Hicks of what the count was at during the game.

“You all saw the game,” Burgess said.

“You watch some of the calls. It was not good enough. I don’t think he was good enough.

“You’ve got to put the whistle away at some point. I’m not blaming it on the result.

“They were a good team but geez it’s international (football). There were 13 or 14 penalties at half-time.

“There was a time there where he was made aware of the penalty count and made sure it was even at half-time.

“I don’t know what agenda he has got there or if he wants to even it up.

“Some of the penalties were — at this level I don’t think the penalties were (warranted) — but that’s my opinion. People will disagree with that.”