George Burgess has defended his character, denying intentional eye-gouging after copping a ban that rules him out of South Sydney's opening three NRL matches of 2019.
The England forward was found guilty of contrary conduct for an incident involving Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak during the second Test win over New Zealand in Liverpool at the weekend.
Burgess will miss Sunday's third Test against the Kiwis and also the opening three rounds of next NRL season.
He took to social media to defend himself after the hearing, where he pleaded not guilty.
"I want to make it completely clear to everyone that it was never my intention to ever gauge (sic) anyone," Burgess said on Twitter.
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"It is not in my makeup as a rugby league player and never has been. I sincerely apologise to anyone who thinks bad of me after seeing the footage.
"I accept my punishment but I will never accept that I gauged (sic) a fellow players eye intentionally. I have too much respect for the players I play against and with."
Watene-Zelezniak had treatment to his eye, shortly after coming into contact with Burgess on tghe ground in a tackle.
The incident, which occurred 20 minutes from the end of England's 20-14 victory, went unpunished by referee Gerard Sutton.
Watene-Zeleniak played it down later, saying he didn't believe he'd been intentionally gouged.
The suspension is a major blow for Souths, who face defending premiers Sydney Roosters in the opening round before a clash with traditionally fast-starting St George Illawarra at Kogarah.
The Rabbitohs are already facing an uncertain start to their pre-season with speculation continuing to mount that Anthony Seibold and Wayne Bennett's coaching swap will come within weeks.
