Burgess charged with ‘squirrel grip’

South Sydney and England forward Sam Burgess is facing a two-match NRL suspension after being charged with an alleged ‘squirrel grip’ on Melbourne centre Will Chambers.

Burgess, 24, has been hit with a grade one charge by the match review committee for the incident during the second-placed Rabbitohs’ Friday night 26-8 loss to the Storm.

During a tackle, Burgess appeared to place his hand between the legs of Chambers, who was clearly in pain afterwards.

Burgess’ four prior offences mean he would miss two matches even with an early guilty plea on the charge.

South Sydney have until midday Tuesday to enter a plea, and the club issued a statement saying they would assess the incident before making a decision on whether to contest the charge.