A week after playing the villain, Wayne Bennett has emerged as George Burgess' saviour after supporting the South Sydney enforcer's plan to count England's Test next week as part of his four-match NRL ban.
Bennett would not have won won many popularity contests in the Rabbitohs' sheds after his Brisbane side's controversial 25-24 NRL win over the Rabbitohs last round.
However, the Broncos coach is now Burgess' white knight after all but ensuring the South Sydney forward will be able to cut short his shoulder charge ban.
Burgess was not considered for England coach Bennett's 20-strong squad for their May 6 Test with Samoa in Campbelltown after copping the lengthy suspension for his hit on Brisbane playmaker Anthony Milford.
But an NRL spokesman said if the Rabbitohs can prove to judiciary chairman Geoff Bellew that Burgess would have been included in the England side if not suspended, the forward may earn a one-match reprieve.
Bennett said he would be happy to confirm that with the NRL.
"He was in the squad to be picked. That's legitimate," he said on Wednesday.
"If they want me to validate that with the NRL then I am happy to do that."
Factoring in a round 13 bye, Burgess would not be eligible for the battling Bunnies until their return bout with the Broncos in Brisbane on June 9.
Now with Bennett's help, Burgess is set to return on May 26 against Parramatta.
"And so he should because he was in the (England) squad," Bennett said.
"There was no point in announcing him (for Samoa Test) because he was suspended.
"But he was there in the squad and he played all their Test matches and the Four Nations last year.
"So he was going to be a part of this Test match."
An NRL spokesman confirmed they could use Bennett's evidence as part of a submission to the league to cut Burgess' ban.
"Ultimately it's up to the chairman's discretion," the spokesman told AAP.
"Souths could could get evidence from the English Rugby League that he was going to be picked.
"They could also ask Wayne Bennett for evidence and that could form part of their submission."
Burgess has played 12 Tests for England since 2013.
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