Sam Burgess: Silver lining to George's lengthy ban

Rabbitohs captain Sam Burgess says while his younger brother George was understandably disappointed to be banned for nine games, the chance to spend time with his family with a third baby on the way would help him through.

George and his wife Joanna are set to welcome their third baby during Burgess's nine-game suspension for eye-gouging Robbie Farah, and Sam said some family time plus maintaining routine around his teammates would be the best thing for him until his return to footy in the finals.

"You've got to keep routine, it's the most important thing for players is routine and it's no different for George," Sam said.

"He's obviously pretty disappointed with things but now we've got a result we can put a plan in place over the next eight or nine weeks and he can contribute to the team in some way. He's in a much better frame of mind than he was this time last week.

"He's got a new baby on the way; it would be nice if he got to spend some time with his family.

"Things happen in a funny way. He's got a lot going on at the moment. We'll give him a routine but also give him a bit of space, he can keep himself fit and give himself a good chance in the back end."

Burgess said he was mostly proud of the way George had handled himself since the incident.

"I thought he handled himself very well so I'm very proud of him for that. George knows that it was a mistake," he added.

The Rabbitohs have more pressing issues as they aim to snap a four-game losing streak when they head to Lottoland on Saturday to face the team that handed them their only loss of their first 11 outings in round four.

Sam's likely early return from a shoulder operation and the arrival of new recruit Jaydn Su'A will boost the roster.

"[Monday was my] first run with the team. It was fine, I've got a few more fitness tests later in the week," Burgess said.

"I'm on track. It's pretty good [but] we've got to be smart, there's still nine season games left. We'll make the right decision but it's looking all right at the moment … big test Friday and we'll go from there."

Tom Burgess will need at least another week or two to get over ankle surgery while Alex Johnston is nearing a return from a minor knee operation.

"Tommy won't play this week. AJ I'm not sure, 50-50, maybe 40-60. We've got cover there just in case and we're fine either way," Burgess said.

Su'A hasn't played in the Telstra Premiership since round 14 but was strong in Canterbury Cup in round 16 in his first run in cardinal and myrtle, scoring a try in a 30-18 win over Mounties.

"Great signing. He'll bring a lot to the team," Burgess said.

"I've loved watching him play, he's a cracking player and he'll bring a lot to the team. Whether he'll play this week I'm not too sure.

"He's a great kid, very respectful, trains hard which is what we like at this club.

"He wants to impress, he's fit and healthy, hasn't played for a couple of months I don't think. He wants to get out there and do a good job for us."

Souths veteran John Sutton said he had never met Su'A until they were introduced at Monday's training session but was already impressed with his attitude.

"He's a good young player," Sutton said.

"Very handy to have him for the back end of the season. He seems like a really good kid and I can't wait to play with him and get to know him a bit better."