Tom Burgess stretchered off as Souths go down to Melbourne in NRL opener
Tom Burgess in action for South Sydney Rabbitohs
England international Tom Burgess left the field on a stretcher in the opening game of the NRL season as South Sydney Rabbitohs went down to a 26-18 defeat against Melbourne Storm.
Melbourne started the game in fine fashion – showing just why they’re among the favourites across all rugby sites – with Cameron Munster, Justin Olam and Ryan Papenhuyzen (2) going over in the first half hour.
⚡ Ryan Papenhuyzen has a 2nd and the Premiers are running riot!
Can the Bunnies fight back?
📺 Watch live on Sky Sports Arena pic.twitter.com/bD7XWL17bx
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) March 11, 2021
Alex Johnston pulled one back for the Rabbitohs but the Storm were 22-6 to the good at the break.
Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs came back into the game in the second half with further tries through Johnston and Latrell Mitchell to reduce the deficit.
Souths were dealt a blow five minutes from time when prop Burgess stayed down holding his shoulder after making a tackle. He was then stretchered off the field with a couple of minutes left to play.
Concern for Tom Burgess who is stretchered off, hopefully just a precaution. Main concern for stinger/burner where nerves that run from neck/shoulder down into arm are compressed, can reproduce significant symptoms short term but most settle very quickly #NRLStormSouths pic.twitter.com/0Txj4fCare
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 11, 2021
Confirmation from the Rabbitohs of a suspected neural injury (burner) for Tom Burgess, still in quite a bit of pain. Good signs able to move all limbs. Mechanism more suggestive of nerve impingement/pinch, if no significant disc bulge in neck symptoms usually settle within a week
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 11, 2021
Despite a spirited fightback from the Rabbitohs, Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne side held on for a 26-18 opening round victory at AAMI Park.