George Burgess granted “leave of absence” by St George Illawarra Dragons

England international George Burgess was recently granted a leave of absence from St George Illawarra Dragons, the NRL club has confirmed.

The 30-year-old prop has spent the last month in rehabilitation facility dealing with personal issues, according to News Corp.

A club statement read: “St George Illawarra can confirm forward George Burgess was recently granted a leave of absence.

“Burgess’s absence is of a personal nature and unrelated to his current criminal matter.

“The Dragons will make no further comment.”

Burgess was charged with sexually touching a woman in March, with the matter listed for hearing in February.

The Dewsbury-born forward returned to the NRL with the Dragons ahead of this season on a two-year deal.

A hip injury cut short his stint in Super League with Wigan, but he had underwent life-changing surgery so he could continue his playing career.

Burgess has made four appearances in the NRL this season. He has played nine games in the reserve-grade this season, with his last appearance coming in the New South Wales Cup in Round 15 in June.

George Burgess background

Burgess came through the academy ranks at Bradford. He left for the NRL before making a first team appearance for the Bulls.

He played 150 games for the Rabbitohs between 2012-19 before linking up with Wigan in 2020, where he played eight games before departing.

The front-rower won the NRL Premiership with Souths in 2014 and went on to win the World Cup Challenge the following season. He also helped Souths win the NRL Auckland Nines in 2015.

Burgess has won 15 caps for England on the international stage and has represented his country in one World Cup. He hasn’t played his country since 2018.

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