People need to move on from Robbie Farah’s Tigers past, says Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire

RABBITOHS prop George Burgess is back in the NRL after a stint in reserve grade but he is far from the polished product according to coach Michael Maguire.

Michael Maguire during Souths training at Redfern Oval. pic Mark Evans

BARNSTORMING Rabbitohs prop George Burgess is back in the NRL after a stint in reserve grade but he is far from the polished product according to coach Michael Maguire.

Burgess was a standout performer for Souths in their impressive win over Manly last weekend, running for 123 metres.

But Maguire says the Englishman still requires more improvement.

It’s why Burgess could be seen completing an extra fitness session at Redfern Oval on Thursday morning in a bid to recapture his damaging best.

Michael Maguire during Souths training at Redfern Oval. pic Mark Evans

“It was good to see him (George) improve on where he has been, but he has still obviously got a way to go with things that he expects and what we expect of where our game is at,” Maguire said.

“But it’s the hard work that is doing in the background that will get him there.

“Full credit to him if he keeps working hard like that, he’ll find the game he is striving to achieve every week.”

Meanwhile, Maguire has called on the rugby league community to move on from Robbie Farah’s drama-plagued past at the Wests Tigers.

He insists the veteran hooker is playing a vital role in rebuilding the Rabbitohs.

Farah’s controversial exit from the Tigers has dominated the headlines, but Maguire believes it’s time to focus on the No. 9’s positive impact at his new club.

The Bunnies’ mentor says the NSW Origin hooker has put any personal gain aside to build a potent combination with fellow rake Damien Cook.

“I think one thing for Robbie, it would be nice if everyone moved past all the stuff that’s gone on and let’s just look at his footy and let it do the talk,” Maguire said.

“He has been doing that ever since he came to this club.

“The fact he and Cookie are actually close mates and they get on at training and they work really hard at their game. I think that’s what we should be talking about.

“Obviously he has had the past of his other (club), but we are really focused and so is he about what he wants to achieve at this club.”

Farah will play his 250th NRL game against Newcastle on Saturday and Maguire said it was a privilege that Souths could recognise the hooker’s special milestone.

“I think it’s brilliant the fact Robbie has played 250 and I’m glad that it can be at our club,” he said.

“He has brought a lot of influence around various areas in our game and he is a very smart dummy half, which we all know, and he is starting to really implement that into our game plan.”