Sam Burgess says South Sydney Rabbitohs were ‘mentally and physically fatigued’

SAM BURGESS says South Sydney were “mentally and physically fatigued” before arresting their four-game losing streak on Friday night.

SOUTH Sydney players were left “mentally and physically fatigued” according to Sam Burgess before arresting their four-game losing streak on Friday night.

The Rabbitohs crawled their way back to snatch a 22-20 win against Parramatta after trailing 14-6 at halftime with Burgess starring, running for 223 metres and making 36 tackles.

Burgess said last week’s representative round came at a perfect time to give his side a much needed freshen up after they struggled in the opening two months of the season which included back to back games in Queensland.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Sam Burgess of the Rabbitohs is tackled during the round 10 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Pirtek Stadium on May 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“The boys were tired before the bye,” Burgess said. “The boys were physically and mentally fatigued. We still worked hard in the bye week because it’s our system and what we’ve always done.

“If you look at our schedule, we’ve done a lot of travelling and played the top four teams. Flying back in on a Saturday and training Sunday.

“It’s not just us who are fatigued. We just haven’t dealt with it as well we have in the past.”

With the Rabbitohs struggling, the playing group spoke about the need to take personal responsibility to end their worst losing streak under coach Michael Maguire. After a turbulent week for the Eels, Burgess said his side had to “take the emotion” out of the game.

“We needed the two points quite desperately,” Burgess said.

“Before you know it the season is gone. It wasn’t desperation but we needed the win, let’s not beat around the bush. It’s just one win.

“We have meetings every week. I’m not saying we had a crisis meeting. We needed to have a look at ourselves and take a bit of responsibility on how we are performing as players. People are quick to jump on Madge (Maguire). As a team we believe in him and we have to take more responsibility ourselves.”

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Originally published as Sam Burgess says South Sydney Rabbitohs were ‘mentally and physically fatigued’