Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis on-field reunion in Coffs Harbour scuppered by NRL return

Sam Burgess was meant to make a special return to the footy field to put a hit on his former teammate Greg Inglis, but the two legends may have to wait for the finals to meet face-to-face again. Find out why.

It was meant to be the biggest show in town, but now Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess will have to wait more than a month before they can meet each other again in regional rugby league.

The Rabbitohs legends were set to face off on Sunday’s Group 2 match between Burgess’ Orara Valley Axemen and Inglis’ Macksville Sea Eagles in the NSW Group 2 competition based in Coffs Harbour and Grafton.

Club representatives confirmed that Burgess, who suffered a career ending shoulder injury, was set to strap the boots on for the chance to go toe-to-toe with his former teammate.

However, Inglis’ commitment to the Melbourne Storm during Indigenous Round of the NRL means the two will have to wait until the potential finals series of Group 2 to finally play each other, robbing supporters of the chance to see Burgess take the field for the first time in years.

Constant rain has cancelled three Orara Valley and two Macksville games this season with both sides in the top three of the eight-team competition.

Former Rabbitohs teammates Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis. Picture: Brett Costello.

“Without Greg playing, Sam isn’t going to play,” club President Peter Spinks said.

“I think everyone around the group and rugby league were hopeful that the match-up would be seen on the field itself.

“Sam talked about playing but there is no need for him to run out there at the moment, we have only had two games and Sam has made a commitment not to unnecessarily take the spot of a young player.”

Burgess has started his coaching career with a bang but Spinks says he has had to get used to the relentless rain which has postponed three rounds so far this season.

Sam Burgess coaching the Orara Valley Axemen.

With more rain to come, the President of the club is hopeful their matches this season won’t be a ‘mud-fest’.

“It will be horrid,” he said.

“The impact is just a build up of frustration, everyone wants to play, everyone wants to see Sam as well.

“He understands the weather situation but we are frustrated not knowing right up until game day whether or not we will actually get on the park.”

The frustration is something the NRL legend has to take in his stride when it comes to bush footy.

Despite Inglis not being available for the match, former Penrith Panthers NRL player Frank Winterstein might make his first appearance of the season.

Labelled a showstopper ahead of the beginning of the campaign, the 35-year old former Bulldogs, Manly and Penrith second-rower is yet to make a start in Group 2.