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'Probably do with some boxing lessons': Canterbury coach says Burton lucky

(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Canterbury interim coach Mick Potter says Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton can consider himself lucky not to be suspended for this weekend’s clash with South Sydney.

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Burton came to blows early in the second half with Dane Gagai in the State of Origin decider on Wednesday when he was knocked to the ground sparking a punch-up between the two.

Referee Ashley Klein sent both to the sin bin but the NRL announced after the game neither would be suspended for this weekend’s club fixtures.

The pair were fined 23 per cent of their match fee, following changes to the NRL’s judiciary code this season aimed at minimising suspensions incurred from representative games.

Potter said the pair were lucky to escape further sanction post-match.

“I think so,” he said. “Both of them could probably do with some boxing lessons.

“I think both of them were trying to defend themselves. The 10 minutes in the bin took the heat out of that moment.”

Potter suggested Burton may have been unlucky to have copped the same punishment as Gagai, who instigated the fight and ensuing melee between the sides.

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“I thought (Burton) did cop the rough end of the pineapple there,” he said.

“There probably could have been some other action taken on other people.”

Potter said facing a resurgent South Sydney at Accor Stadium would be one of the Bulldogs’ biggest challenges of the season.

The Rabbitohs have well and truly hit their stride since the return of fullback Latrell Mitchell in round 16, piling on 70 points in two wins and consolidating their spot above the mid-ladder logjam.

“(Mitchell) is awesome, him with Cody Walker and Lachlan Ilias there,” Potter said.

“I’m expecting Damien Cook to back up (from Origin). There are so many threats in that team.

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“They seem to strip numbers from the opposition teams, they roll forward and they’ve got plenty of momentum with their big forwards.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us to stop them.”

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R
RedWarrior 29 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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