Sam Burgess hits Bondi gym with brother Luke amid Phoebe split
Former South Sydney star Sam Burgess has been spotted working out with his brother Luke in Bondi after his split from wife Phoebe and ongoing court battle.
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Despite his legal woes, Sam Burgess appeared to be in good spirits after a workout with his older brother Luke at a Bondi gym on Thursday.
He was also seen spending time with his niece Grace, five, with the trio posing for a family photo after a training session.
It comes during a difficult time for Burgess, 31, who stood down from coaching duties at South Sydney earlier this month amid allegations of substance use and domestic violence involving his ex-wife Phoebe Burgess, allegations he denies.
Separately, he faces one charge of intimidation and one charge of common assault on her father Mitch Hooke, which he denies.
Last week, a lawyer for Burgess claimed allegations of substance and domestic abuse made by the mother of his two children, Phoebe, were “born out of malice or retaliation”.
The retired Souths captain has pleaded not guilty to intimidation and indicated a not guilty plea to the assault charge.
Police charged Burgess after an argument at the Hooke family’s Bowral property on October 19, 2019.
It comes amid reports that Burgess’ friend and Sydney Souths co-owner Russell Crowe may be asked to speak to the NRL’s integrity unit as part its investigation into the former star player.
News Corp previously revealed that Phoebe told Crowe about Burgess’ alleged troubling behaviour in a text message on November 26, 2018, prompting the actor to then contact Burgess about the claims.
Burgess split with Phoebe last year after four years of marriage and they share two children together - Poppy, three, and Billy, one.
Phoebe recently thanked fans for their support in a social media post.
“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.
