A FORMER Bradford Bulls junior player has been charged with allegedly sexually touching a person without consent.

It has been widely reported that George Burgess, 29, who has played for England and a host of clubs in Australia, has been charged with sexually touching another person without consent and is due to appear in court in Australia on April 13.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in Sydney on March 8 this year.

A New South Wales Police statement said: “Earlier this month, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command commenced an investigation following reports a woman had been sexually touched by a man known to her on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

“Following inquiries, a 29-year-old man was arrested at Mascot Police Station about 4.40pm today (Monday, March 21, 2022).

“He was charged with sexually touch another person without consent and granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.”

Meanwhile, George Burgess’ current club, St George Illawarra, confirmed he has been selected in their squad for their next match on Thursday.

In its original statement, released on March 21, the club said: “The St George Illawarra Dragons have been made aware of a matter involving one of its players by the NRL integrity unit.

“The Dragons are working closely with all parties as the matter is under police investigation.”

In a further statement, released on its website, St George Illawarra said: "St George Illawarra will name George Burgess in the Dragons' 24-man squad for Thursday night's round three clash against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

“The Dragons are yet to receive the necessary and required information pertaining to the Burgess matter and therefore cannot come to a decision on the player's availability for round three.

"The NRL's stringent team selection process requires the Dragons to select a 24-man squad on Tuesday afternoon.

"The Dragons will continue to work closely with all relevant parties, including the NRL integrity unit and police, to determine the next steps surrounding this matter."

George Burgess, who was born in Dewsbury, started his rugby league career in Australia with South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2012. 
He made 149 appearances for the side, scoring 13 tries over his seven-year spell with the side.
He then returned home moved to Wigan Warriors in 2020, making eight appearances, scoring one try, before signing for St George.
George Burgess has also played 15 times for England between 2013 and 2018.