The Dragons have confirmed George Burgess has been granted a “leave of absence” following reports the veteran prop is in a rehabilitation facility.
Burgess is unlikely to play again this season and his time at the facility is almost up after spending the last month dealing with personal issues, News Corp reports.
The NRL club released a statement on Tuesday confirming Burgess is on leave, while denying it has anything to do with the criminal matter he is facing.
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“St George Illawarra can confirm forward George Burgess was recently granted a leave of absence,” the statement read.
“Burgess’s absence is of a personal nature and unrelated to his current criminal matter.
“The Dragons will make no further comment.”
Burgess will face court in February next year after being charged with sexually touching another person without consent in March.
Burgess has played just four games in the top grade and nine in reserve grade after signing a two-year deal after leaving the English Super League.
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