Sam Burgess returns to Sydney after Mexico trip
Sam Burgess is back in Sydney but life’s changed. The rugby league superstar’s NRL career is over, he is facing a criminal charge and has been slapped with an apprehended domestic violence order.
NSW
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Sam Burgess is back in Sydney but life’s changed.
The rugby league superstar’s NRL career is over, he is facing a criminal charge and has been slapped with an apprehended domestic violence order.
Looking a little downcast, Burgess arrived at Sydney Airport on Tuesday flanked by his older brother Luke and an airport staff member.
The brothers’ overseas holiday included a sun-soaked party in Cabo, Mexico, to celebrate the 50th birthday of millionaire former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Sean Garlick.
Sam’s arrival came just a day before the first Moss Vale Local Court mention for his ADVO case, which sprung from an allegedly nasty argument between him and his father-in-law Mitchell Hooke at the Hooke family’s home near Bowral on October 19.
Police took out the order on Mr Hooke’s behalf after the argument allegedly erupted during a pre-organised visit for Sam to see his two children. The order prevents the former England captain going within 1km of the Hooke’s property.
Officers from the Hume Police District went a step further last week, serving a court attendance notice on Sam’s lawyer for the offence of intimidation (domestic violence related). The charge arose from the same interaction with the former minerals council boss Mr Hooke. That charge is listed for mention in Moss Vale Local Court in December.
Two days before news broke about the criminal charge, the Rabbitohs announced the former England captain was retiring from the NRL on medical grounds.
A chronic left shoulder injury sustained early in the 2019 season and subsequent surgery forced him from the game, prompting an emotional message to fans.
“I have loved absolutely every minute; the highs, the lows; the Grand Final; coming home; my injuries; my dates with the judiciary. It really has been a fantastic ride,” he said in the statement.
His estranged wife Phoebe Burgess appeared to be getting on with work life while Sam was abroad. She stepped out for The Victoria Derby on Saturday, her first public appearance since the controversy involving Sam. On Monday, she was promoting Johnsons baby shampoo in Instagram posts involving their two children.
