Phoebe Burgess has taken to social media to thank her followers for their kindness in the weeks following the allegations of domestic violence and drug abuse made against her ex-husband Sam Burgess.
“Finding joy in the little things and my little people. Simply because I was silent doesn’t mean I didn’t hear you, thank you for your kindness. Means the world to us,” she wrote on Instagram on Sunday.
The raft of allegations made against Sam Burgess, revealed in a thorough investigation by The Australian, include that the former NRL player allegedly assaulted a heavily pregnant Phoebe Burgess in 2018.
The investigation from The Australian also included pharmacy records of a script for liquid tranquilliser, issued by South Sydney chief medical officer Andrew McDonald, for Sam Burgess but written in another person’s name.
According to the report, Burgess allegedly underwent a secret drug test with a different doctor a day later, where he allegedly tested positive for MDMA and ketamine.
The NRL state they were completely unaware of any of allegations of drug abuse or domestic violence until it was revealed by The Australian.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo was quick to emphasise the seriousness of the allegations and that the sporting body would take “the strongest possible action”, if the allegations were proven.
“These allegations are very serious and I’ve instructed the Integrity Unit to investigate the claims as a priority. We will also seek the advice of police and other relevant authorities throughout this process,” he said.
“This is new information for the NRL and it is important we now gather the facts. The allegations have not yet been tested and due process will be followed as we undertake a thorough investigation.
“There is no place in our game for violence, harassment or abuse against women. If anyone is found guilty of these allegations we will take the strongest possible action.”
Sam Burgess’ lawyer told The Australian the allegations are false, while NSW Police have confirmed an investigation is underway. The South Sydney club have released a statement of support for the investigation, also noting their intent to impose strong action if the allegations are proven.
While the NRL has a long history of tolerating violence against women, in the wake of these allegations, CEO Andrew Abdo has been decisive in instructing the NRL Integrity Unit to investigate the issue immediately.
He was also clear about the sport’s zero tolerance policy for violence against women.
This response comes after former NRL CEO Todd Greenberg last year introduced stricter measures for players who commit acts of violence against women.
For players who have been convicted of domestic violence or sexual assault, Greenberg said there was a new line in the sand and they would be banned from the game.
“If players are found guilty of those types of conduct then what they will lose is their livelihood and their opportunity to play in the game. I can’t make it any clearer than that.”
“If players are convicted of criminal offences that have violence against women, that will now sit at the very highest scale. We have historically not put the words life bans in place but what we do is we simply take people’s registration off them and we don’t allow them to participate.”
A “no-fault stand down” for players who are charged with serious criminal offences was also introduced, where NRL players are unable to play until legal proceedings are completed.
“This is not about being popular, this is about sending a clear message the game does not tolerate violence, against women or children.”
While Sam Burgess is no longer a player in the NRL, he has been actively involved in a coaching capacity at South Sydney.
He is still slated to coach the club’s teenage stars in the SG Ball competition in 2021, after Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly confirmed he was still in line for the position last week.