Salford Red Devils have confirmed that winger Joe Burgess has been released from his contract, cutting short his time with the club.
The release of star winger Burgess was something that the club confirmed on their social media feeds and website, where they shared the statement below.
It had been reported by Rugby League Live in December that the winger was under investigation over a disciplinary matter, and today’s news confirms that Burgess has been under investigation prior to his release.
As such it means that Salford have lost their two first choice wingers from 2023 season ahead of the upcoming campaign, with fellow winger Ken Sio returning down under due to personal reasons.
It’s a major blow for the Red Devils just six weeks out from the season starting and leaves them little time to bring in a replacement, although the club had brought in Ethan Ryan from Hull KR earlier this off-season.
The club statement surrounding Burgess’ release read: “Salford Red Devils can confirm that Joe Burgess has been released with immediate effect following a thorough investigation process.
“As a club, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline and have an expectation that those who represent the club reflect these values.
“Whilst the decision has not been taken lightly, after consideration it has been decided that the player’s conduct was not consistent with such expectations.
“We wish Joe the very best in his career going forward and thank him for his efforts since arriving at the club in 2021.
“The Club will be making no further comment on this matter.”
Burgess had been with Salford since the start of the 2021 season, playing 47 games for the club in which he scored just shy of a try every other game with 23.
Prior to that he had starred for Wigan in two separate spells, debuting with the club and scoring 52 in 55 before returning following a year down under in the NRL.
During his NRL venture Burgess racked up seven tries in 13 games, playing for both South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters.
An England international he was last capped in 2015 but will now seek a new club and hope to rediscover the form that saw him represent his country.
As for Salford it leaves them short on the wing with Paul Rowley now having lost four key players this off-season in Burgess, Sio, Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft.
