This was published 8 years ago
Canterbury Bulldogs coach Des Hasler says Sam Burgess should not be risked
By Michael Carayannis
Canterbury coach Des Hasler says South Sydney should not risk Sam Burgess after the English forward was taken to hospital with concerns surrounding his neck. Burgess was discharged after two nights and although there was no spinal damage it is expected he will miss the annual Good Friday game. The Bulldogs are expected to be unchanged.
North Queensland will field the same side which beat Brisbane in last year's grand final when the two sides play each other for the first time this year. The Broncos should be 1-17 for the clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Canberra and the Gold Coast are expected to be unchanged.
The Roosters, who are still searching for their first win, should be 1-17. Manly need to replace Brenton Lawrence and Martin Taupau who were suspended for a game each. Jamie Buhrer is expected to play his first game of the season after breaking his jaw at the Auckland Nines. Buhrer made a successful comeback from injury in NSW Cup last week. Darcy Lussick is likely to be called into the squad.
Scary scenes: Sam Burgess receives medical attention last Sunday.Credit: Paul Miller
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor said Benji Marshall will be given until kick-off to play the Panthers on Sunday. Marshall missed last Sunday's win against South Sydney with a hamstring injury. Josh McCrone would drop out of the starting side despite impressing in his club debut. Penrith captain Matt Moylan could be an inclusion for the away side, with former Dragon Trent Merrin playing against St George Illawarra for the first time.
Akuila Uate could be a timely inclusion for the Knights who will be without centre Sione Mata'utia through suspension for their clash against the Warriors in New Zealand.
Wests Tigers and Parramatta are expected to be unchanged for their game on Monday afternoon.
Cronulla and Melbourne have no injury concerns ahead of their match on Monday night.