George Burgess will not be stood down by NRL, despite facing criminal charges

The NRL has confirmed its own, No Fault Standdown Policy will not apply to St George Illawarra Dragons player George Burgess, despite the forward being charged with sexually touching another person without consent.

The 29-year-old Englishman was last week arrested and charged after a woman told police she had been sexually touched by a man known to her on March 8 at a Sydney home. 

The league has previously committed itself to a tough stance on crimes involving women. 

In March 2019, the NRL brought in the policy, which stands down players facing criminal offences and serious offences that carry a maximum jail term of 11 years or more. 

The charge of sexual touching carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.

At the time of introducing the policy, then ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie said, «This is about sending a clear message: The game does not tolerate violence, against women or children.

»Our job is to rebuild the reputation and protect the game," Mr Beattie said at the time.

«That reputation has been damaged, this is about a standard that's accepted.»

Jack de Belin, of the Dragons, was the first player subject to the policy.

He was sidelined for more than two years until charges against him were formally withdrawn in 2021.

In this case though, the NRL will allow Burgess to keep playing while he is before the courts, and the 29-year-old will be up for selection when the Dragons face the Parramatta Eels this weekend in round four. 

«The National Rugby League [NRL] has advised the St George Illawarra Dragons that player George Burgess will be permitted to continue playing in the NRL Premiership while subject to criminal proceedings,» the NRL said in a statement. 

The policy gives the NRL chief executive discretion