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Sam Burgess avoids third ban of NRL season over Farah hit

South Sydney captain Sam Burgess has been cleared by the NRL match review committee for his shot on Wests Tigers’ Robbie Farah, escaping what would have been his third suspension of the season.

Burgess was put on report for a tackle which laid out former teammate Farah in Saturday’s 22-6 loss to the Tigers.

However, the match review committee declined to charge Burgess, freeing him for Saturday’s clash with last-placed Parramatta.

Burgess was penalised after he collected Farah around the shoulders midway through the first half of what was the Bunnies’ first loss in 10 matches.

The Tigers dummy-half stayed down for several moments, prompting Burgess to volley a string of expletives at his former teammate.

The Englishman later declined to comment

Farah came out in support of Burgess, saying the incident didn’t warrant a suspension.

Sam Burgess has escaped a ban for this hit. Pic: Fox Sports
Sam Burgess has escaped a ban for this hit. Pic: Fox Sports

However, the rejuvenated No.9 denied claims he stayed down in an attempt to milk a penalty.

“That was when Sam hit me in the first half,” Farah said referring to his cut lip.

“He was carrying on like he didn’t get me, when I was laying down. But he got me on the mouth.

“I thought he knocked out a couple of teeth there, but it’s all good.”

Burgess missed four games in the space of five weeks earlier in the season after being controversially suspended for two weeks for an elbow lift on Josh Morris and another two for a careless high tackle on Aidan Sezer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle back-rower Aidan Guerra is free to play next week despite copping a dangerous contact charge for a shot on Ash Taylor during Saturday’s win over Gold Coast.