George Burgess battling on with 10% breathing capacity

One of the biggest guys in the league is battling more than just opponents with South Sydney prop George Burgess only having 10% breathing capacity through his nose after suffering several fractures that require surgery.

The Bunnies enforcer hasn't seemed to come across too much luck after colliding heads with his brother Tom in their narrow 13-12 victory over St George Illawarra on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium - luckily this time it was the back of his head and not the front. 

Despite the chances of suffering these types of injuries, the prop said it's risk players take battling it out in the Telstra Premiership competition.

"It all comes with the game unfortunately," George said.

"I've had so many whacks [to my nose] that I just can't remember, but as far as fully breaking it I've probably done that four or five times.

"I haven't had surgery on it yet but I've been to see a surgeon about it and he said I have something like 10% breathing capacity in it so he recommends that I get surgery after I've finished playing.

"He said it wasn't a good idea while I'm still playing because if I get hit on it after surgery it might not be great so I've still got a few years with it yet."

The clash between George and Tom occurred in the opening minutes of the match against the Dragons and left George with more than 20 stitches in the back of his head. 

As a result his long locks had to go - and because Tom was to blame, he went out in sympathy with his twin and had an identical trim. 

"I've always had my hair short like this when I was young so it's no different, but because I've never had [long] hair I wanted to grow it - It was having fun growing it long too," George said.

"I guess it's good to get a bit of air on my head as it's been locked up for a while.

"Although it was Tom's fault I'm not filthy at him and when I told him I was shaving it he said he'd do it too."

The Rabbitohs have a short trip to Allianz Stadium on Saturday where they will face a fresh Sydney Roosters outfit, who enjoyed the weekend off after being crowned minor premiers and beating Cronulla in their first playoff encounter.

George said despite the Roosters missing the aggression of Dylan Napa in the middle, he expects nothing less than the usual tough battle among the forwards.

"They will miss Napa on the weekend, he's a forward leader for them," George said.

"But in saying that they've got pretty good depth - you don't win the minor premiership without having some good depth in your squad so I think they'll be well prepared.

"I think they'll all step up as everyone does in finals games."

Rivalry clashes are nothing new for the Burgess brothers who grew up with similar sort of match-ups in England.

"That's why you play rugby league professionally to be in these big rivalry games," Tom said.

"Dewsbury have got two teams - Dewsbury Moor and Dewsbury Celtic - so from a young age that was our rivalry.

"Then growing up and going into professional it was Leeds and Bradford - they were the two big teams back in the day - I was lucky enough to spend time at both clubs but the rivalry was great.

"I've definitely bought into the Rabbitohs-Roosters feud, especially living around the area it's hard not to. It's a bit different to what you get in England but you get into it and it's a bit of fun."