Rabbitohs forward Tom Burgess sent off for ‘shocking’ tackle in Golden Point thriller

Tom Burgess has been sent off for a dangerous tackle in the dying moments of Saturday’s Golden Point loss to the Cronulla Sharks.

Tom Burgess of the Rabbitohs. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Tom Burgess was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the dying moments of Saturday’s Golden Point loss to the Cronulla Sharks at PointsBet Stadium.

The 30-year-old was given his marching orders in the 86th minute of the nailbiting Round 20 contest after a “shocking” coathanger tackle on Sharks centre Ronaldo Mulitalo.

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Referee Gerard Sutton immediately blew for a penalty for the high shot, sending the England international off and leaving the Rabbitohs with 12 men for the final three minutes of extra time.

“High tackle Burgess, it’s a big problem, it’s on halfway,” Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane said.

“No matter what it’s a penalty to Cronulla, but what is the aftermath?

“Ooft, a bit of force in that from Burgess. The players from Cronulla have just seen a replay and that’s got them bubbling again.

“Gone. Sent off. Tom Burgess straight from the field and they will finish with 12.”

However, Balmain Tigers legend Steve Roach was not convinced that Burgess deserved to be sent off.

“He was just trying to do something for his team, a bit over the top but I don’t think he hit him in the head actually, it slid up,” he explained.

Tom Burgess of the Rabbitohs. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

That's shocking from Burgess. #NRLSharksSouths

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) July 30, 2022

After a penalty kick upfield and three hit-ups, Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes slotted the match-winning field goal to seal a thrilling 21-20 victory in front of 11,492 screaming fans.

“Nicho Hynes is ice cool, it’s Cronulla’s night, they’ve done it again at the death in the Shire,” Ginnane said.

“It might be the moment that catapults them into the final four.”

The pre-season recruit has nailed some big moments this year, but none will top his 88th-minute field goal as South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell missed three golden opportunities to win his side the game.

Mitchell missed two shots in the first period – including one from 20 metres out – while Cronulla’s Matt Moylan also failed to convert a couple of shots in the opening five minutes.

Nicho Hynes of the Sharks celebrates with his teammates. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Earlier on Saturday, Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary was whacked with a grade three dangerous throw charge, meaning he will miss five games with an early guilty plea.

The 24-year-old will be rubbed out for six weeks if he chooses to fight the charge at the judiciary and is found guilty.

Taking to Instagram after the game, Cleary took full responsibility for his actions.

“Massive apologies for tonight,” Cleary posted. “Filthy at myself for such a dumb moment that let the boys and the fans down.

“I’m not about that, it was terrible technique and I need to be better.”

Cleary’s suspension is a huge blow in the lead-up to finals for Penrith, who are already missing gun five-eighth Jarome Luai for an extended period through injury.

— with Martin Gabor, NCA NewsWire