Burgess used to the scrutiny says brother
Sam Burgess can handle the extra scrutiny over his alleged involvement in the sexting scandal that threatens to undermine South Sydney’s NRL premiership run, his brother George says.
The club is investigating allegations two players indecently exposed themselves to a young woman without consent via a social media account reportedly belonging to Sam in May.
There is no suggestion Sam Burgess was one of the two players.
The saga comes amid fears Rabbitohs players could be rubbed out of Saturday’s grand final qualifier against the Sydney Roosters.
South Sydney have yet to confirm whether Sam is being investigated, but brother Tom has already admitted his older sibling has ‘‘made a mistake’’.
The club on Friday set up a five-person panel to look into the incident, including NRL investigator Karyn Murphy, but it is unclear how long the investigation will take.
George said Sam remained focused on steering the club to another grand final.
‘‘He’s experienced enough to block it out. He’s used to it. He’s been criticised before, so obviously you’ve just got to work through it. He’ll be ready to play.
‘‘Sam’s great. He’s pulled up good after the game. We’re at the best time of the year, so he’s excited about playing in a prelim with his team. That’s all there is to say really.’’
It is the second time in as many weeks the governing body has been forced to address off-field issues, beginning with Canterbury’s Mad Monday antics that resulted in a A$250,000 (NZ$273,000) fine.
In 2016, former Sydney Roosters player Mitchell Pearce was banned for eight matches and fined A$125,000 for simulating sex with a dog on video.
In the same year, Parramatta star Corey Norman was also rubbed out for eight matches and fined A$20,000 for a slew of off-field misdemeanours, including his role in a sex tape.
Norman was also punished for drug possession and consorting with known criminals.