NRL star George Burgess charged with sexual touching

NRL star George Burgess has been charged by police after a woman claimed she was touched inappropriately by the footballer.

NRL star George Burgess has been charged by police after a woman claimed she was touched inappropriately by the footballer.

The St George-Illawarra forward and his lawyer volunteered to assist police in the investigation on Monday night after the woman came forward and made a complaint to Mascot police last week.

By 7.45pm Burgess had been charged with sexual touching another without consent.

George Burgess arrives at Mascot Police station on Monday afternoon. Picture: Nine News

George Burgess in action during the Charity Shield NRL Trial Match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons last month. Picture: Getty

Police have not released details about the alleged incident which the woman said occurred at a residence in the South Sydney area earlier this month.

Burgess’ legal representative declined to comment on the matter.

The NRL integrity unit was contacted by police on Monday and informed they were investigating a claim of sexual touching by a player but had not interviewed him yet.

The St George Illawarra Dragons issued a statement saying the club had “been made aware of a matter involving one of its players by the NRL integrity unit.”

“The Dragons are working closely with all parties, as the matter is under police investigation,” the statement said.

“The Dragons will be making no further comment at this stage.”

St George Illawarra NRL player George Burgess with wife Joanna in an image posted to Instagram on Monday.

St George Illawarra NRL player George Burgess with wife Joanna at the wedding of brother Tom and his wife Tahlia.

Neither the Integrity Unit or the NRL have made an official statement although it is believed Burgess’ lawyer had been told by police that they wanted to speak to him.

The Daily Telegraph understands police are also in communication with the 29-year-old’s lawyer about the allegation.

Burgess returned to the NRL to play for St George Illawarra this year following a short stint in the UK Super League. He played in the Dragons side that lost to Penrith on Friday night. It was his 150th NRL match.

Burgess is the twin brother of South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Tom and the younger brother of Sam and Luke Burgess, who have brother retired from the game.

He is married to former lingerie model Joanna King, 34, who is the mother of their three children and a regular on Instagram. On Monday, at 10am Ms King posted a photo of the couple smiling happily with a blue heart as the caption.

It is understood police are continuing their inquiries.