By STEVE MASCORD
ENGLAND prop Tom Burgess has denied a jibe from former South Sydney and London Broncos star Mark Carroll motivated his man of the match performance in the NRL’s round 23.
Carroll last week told TV viewers he thought twin Rabbitohs George and Tom were too big for the modern game; George responded by starring in the 28-14 success against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium.
It was reported the comments had upset the Burgess clan but Tom told radio Triple M: “Not really – I didn’t really see ‘Spud’ talk.
“I don’t think he meant anything bad by it. He’s one of our good friends and he probably got put on the spot a bit.
“I was aware of it but I don’t think it spurred me on anymore. I spoke to Spud
“We train with him sometimes and he is into us about how big we are and stuff but we can work with it and I felt good this year with my weight.
“I’ll back myself.
“He’s not the smartest, is he, Spud?”
On the other side of the pitch at Homebush, Canterbury captain James Graham faces an uncertain future given reports the Bulldogs are up to A$1 million over the salary cap for 2018.
The NRL still hasn’t settled on a payment ceiling due to ongoing negotiations with the players association and the clubs.
But teams were warned not to spend more than $9.1 million; the Bulldogs have reportedly outlayed up to $10 million, signing internationals Aaron Woods and Kieran Foran.
Newcastle and the New Zealand Warriors have reportedly expressed interest in the former St Helens stalwart – who is still under contract at Belmore next year.
Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead led the Auckland outfit on a merry dance on Sunday, spearheading a 36-16 win at Mt Smart Stadium.
Chris Heighington and Chris McQueen missed the losses by Cronulla and Gold Coast respectively at the weekend due to injury
TOM BURGESS: 161 metres in just 31 minutes for South Sydney, who beat Canterbury 28-14.
SAM BURGESS: 93 metres and 26 tackles in 56 minutes at ANZ Stadium
GEORGE BURGESS: 122 metres and 19 tackles in 41 minutes on Thursday night.
JAMES GRAHAM: Play 53 minutes, making 132 metres and 34 tackles against arch rival Sam.
GARETH WIDDOP: St George Illawarra bounced back into the winners’ circle and Widdop contributed a line break, a try assist and seven goals at Kogarah Oval against Gold Coast.
JOE GREENWOOD: Played the whole 80 minutes, making 36 tackles in the 42-16 loss.
JOSH HODGSON: 45 tackles in a 36-16 win over the Warriors.
ELLIOTT WHITHEAD: 40 tackles at Mt Smart Stadium.
