Premiership-winning legend Peter Sterling says South Sydney tyro Sam Burgess must curb his playing style or risk rubbing himself out of the NRL for good.

The Rabbitohs will be without their inspirational forward after a vicious shot on Canberra playmaker Aidan Sezer at Central Coast Stadium.

Many believe Burgess should have been sent off for the shot which blindsided Sezer and collected him high.

“He’s got to address his aggression,” Sterling told the Wide World of Sports.

“He’s starting to get into the realm now where if he comes up with another offence, he’s starting to get lengthy stints on the sidelines.

“When you’re starting to get a rap sheet now that Sam has built up, you do need to sit down with the coach and figure something out.”

The Rabbitohs play Brisbane in round 8 action.

Sam Burgess could spend some time on the sidelines after this incident in yesterday's game. #9NRLSFS pic.twitter.com/RxaiaG6lcm

— Sunday Footy Show (@SundayFootyShow) April 22, 2018