Warrington Wolves forward Ben Murdoch-Masila has said he feels sorry for George Burgess after the criticism labelled at him in recent days.
For Warrington’s only try of the match, the Tongan went right through Burgess, and the clip circulated around social media.
Warriors Head Coach Adrian Lam confirmed Burgess was suffering with an injury.
Murdoch-Masila said: “I didn’t really intend to pick him out because of who he is, but just at the time he was in front of me.
“To be honest, I feel for the guy, with the stuff he has copping in the media lately. I feel for him, but it was just the way it was.
“Happy I got the try, but I feel sorry for him.”
The Tongan will be keen to keep his try-scoring start to the season up when Challenge Cup winners Warrington welcome Super League winners St Helens on Thursday.