The NRL and South Sydney have handed George Burgess a two-match suspension and a $10,000 fine after he was charged by Queensland police with two counts of wilful damage to a car.

The 21-year-old Burgess has admitted the charges and is co-operating with police over the incident, which took place at 2:45am on Monday in the suburb of Redlynch near Cairns.

It is understood that Burgess threw a street sign through a car window.

Burgess will pay for the cost of the damage, in addition to undertaking an anger management program and 50 hours of community work.

"George accepts he's done the wrong thing and that there has to be a price," Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson said in a statement.

"For someone on his contract level it is a big price to pay and he still has to deal with the issue in court.

"We will support him because he has faced up to what he has done and because this isn't reflective of his general behaviour at the club.

"Everyone is going to have to get the message though that the NRL is going to stay strong on these issues and that the clubs will support that stance without exception."

Burgess is due to appear in the Cairns magistrates court on July 10.

Taking full responsibility

Following the incident, Burgess issued an apology and assured his club, colleagues and fans that he would learn from his mistake.

"I would like to apologise unreservedly to the Rabbitohs Members, sponsors and everyone in the community," he said.

"I have let my team and my family down.

"I acknowledge that I am a role model for kids and I will do everything I can to restore my reputation through working harder in the community.

"It is my responsibility to ensure that this type of behaviour does not happen again.

"I will learn from my mistake and bounce back stronger and better as a person."

One of four brothers who are all signed with the Rabbitohs, Burgess made his NRL debut against the Bulldogs in 2012 and has since played 16 times for the club.

The incident follows a turbulent 24 hours for the NRL after NSW State of Origin player Blake Ferguson was suspended from playing indefinitely after being charged with indecent assault.

The Raiders winger was formally charged last night after being questioned by officers at Waverley police station for more than two hours about the incident at the 2230 Restaurant and Bar in Cronulla late on Sunday evening.