Johns, Slater slam Burgess ban

NRL greats Andrew Johns and Billy Slater have slammed the two match ban handed to Souths prop George Burgess for throwing a water bottle, declaring a fine should be sufficient.

Burgess appears set to miss the Rabbitohs opening finals clash against Cronulla and any subsequent match should the premiers progress after being hit with a grade two contrary conduct charge for tossing a drink container at Roosters forward Kane Evans.

He has pleaded guilty but will attempt to get the charge downgraded to a grade one in the hope of playing in the second week of the finals, should Souths beat the Sharks.

But Johns and Slater insist a ban is too harsh, particularly given the fact players have escaped suspension this year for headbutts and punches.

"(It was) an act of stupidity," Johns said. "What was he thinking?

"(But) I don't think he should be suspended. I think a heavy fine (would be) fair...$20,000, $25,000 for that."

Slater agreed a suspension was an overreaction, with the predicament a blow to the Rabbitohs premiership defence.

"It's a stupid thing to do (but) he didn't hit him with the bottle," Slater said.

"We don't condone that (but) I think a fine would be sufficient.

"You can throw a punch and get less."

Johns said it was ludicrous Canberra prop David Shillington escaped a ban for unleashing two headbutts in a game, while Slater pointed out Raiders fullback Jack Wighton had also failed to be suspended for throwing a punch early in the year.

Cronulla captain Paul Gallen also suggested a suspension was over the top.

"Missing two games, semi-final games, is harsh," Gallen told Sky Sports Radio.

"But I don't think anyone can doubt that the incident itself was a little bit silly.

"A fine and a talking to probably would have been a little bit better."

Gallen said Burgess would face an uphill battle to avoid a ban and take his place in the elimination semi-final.

"He needs to get from a grade two to totally off (to play)," Gallen said.

"I can't see how that is possible to be honest.

"I think he'll probably get a downgrade but whether he can get completely off or not, he's going to need a bit of luck."