St George Illawarra assistant Matthew Head can’t wait to see new recruit George Burgess make his rugby league return against Penrith on Friday.
Burgess, 29, hasn’t played rugby league since 2020 where he was forced to step away from the game due to a debilitating hip injury.
After leaving his post with Wigan in the UK Super League, the England international had revolutionary hip resurfacing surgery that has allowed him to again move freely.
After a long battle to return to match fitness, he’s now been named to play his first NRL game since 2019 for his new club.
Picked in the 17 jersey off the bench, Head believes Burgess will offer the Dragons’ forward pack a mix of smarts and power.
“Big George, he’s one of those footballers that is very smart upstairs, he understands the game, and then you look at the size of him,” Head said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“He obviously gives us that big power, he’s been good in pre-season, he’s worked really hard to get where he needed to get to.
“I suppose the most pleasing thing for George is that he learned pretty early that that hip wasn’t going to cause him any dramas – that surgery worked really well – he just gives the players a lot of confidence with his size and how he moves.
“Then when we’re in meeting rooms he’s really smart and talks sense, we’re really excited for the opportunity George gets to play footy for our club.
“I’m sure the boys will look after him and he won’t let anyone down.”
While Burgess has been made available, Origin forward Tariq Sims is still languishing in reserve grade.
After being linked to a move to the Melbourne Storm this week as a result of his omission, Head revealed that Sims was merely an out due to his lack of game time as he builds up to full fitness.
“Simsy is a great person in our club,” Head explained.
“He had a very disrupted pre-season including a couple of calf strains, never sort of got himself right.
“Last week was his first week of full training, that’s why he was picked in the twos to play last week.
“He did everything he could to show he’ll be ready for selection when they pull the trigger on it.
“He comes into training, he works hard, he’s a leader of the club.
“He’s just had a disrupted pre-season, when he’s right to go Hook (Anthony Griffin) will give him the opportunity and he won’t let anyone down.”
The Dragons will hope to go 2-0 when they face the Panthers on Friday at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.