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Sam Burgess caught up in Rabbitohs ‘sexting’ scandal

SAM Burgess is at the centre of a Rabbitohs sexting scandal, with a woman alleging multiple players exposed themselves to her.

Premiership hero Sam Burgess is at the centre of a sexting scandal. Picture: John Grainger
Premiership hero Sam Burgess is at the centre of a sexting scandal. Picture: John Grainger

A SEXTING scandal will hang over the South Sydney Rabbitohs as they attempt to keep their NRL premiership dreams alive in tonight’s semi-final against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The Rabbitohs are in the throes of an investigation into a star player’s involvement in an alleged sex video during an online chat with a young woman in May.

The Daily Telegraph report verified social media accounts belonging to star forward Sam Burgess are at the centre of the saga.

There was no suggestion Burgess was involved, however it is alleged multiple Rabbitohs players exposed themselves to the 23-year-old woman after a win over the Warriors.

Sam Burgess with wife Phoebe Burgess. The pair are expecting their second child together, due in December. Picture: Instagram
Sam Burgess with wife Phoebe Burgess. The pair are expecting their second child together, due in December. Picture: Instagram

The club revealed that it had contacted the woman on Friday, and that a panel had been established to co-ordinate the investigation alongside the NRL integrity unit.

South Sydney also confirmed that police have laid multiple charges on prop Zane Musgrove over a domestic assault matter.

A nude video chat scandal has hit the NRL on the eve of the second week of the finals series. Picture: Chris Pavlich
A nude video chat scandal has hit the NRL on the eve of the second week of the finals series. Picture: Chris Pavlich

The developments came less than a day before the Rabbitohs face the Dragons in a final-six clash, with the winner to advance to a grand final qualifier. Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold admitted he was only made aware of the sexting drama on Thursday and that it was up to him to ensure the players’ minds were on the job.

“They’re professional athletes. I’m a professional coach. So that’s our job,” Seibold said.

“We’ve got to make sure that we have a really competent session (on Friday) in the team meeting room, and it’s led by me.

“I need to make sure that I’m across what we need to do for tomorrow night’s game. We’ve had a really good preparation so far.

“Obviously it’s not ideal that these accusations have come out and they’re front page news. It’s not what anyone wants, it’s not what I want. It’s not what our game needs.”

Sam Burgess of the South Sydney Rabbitohs is seen during a team training session in Sydney on Tuesday. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett
Sam Burgess of the South Sydney Rabbitohs is seen during a team training session in Sydney on Tuesday. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett

Rabbitohs pair Adam Reynolds (shoulder) and Greg Inglis (ribs) are both set to play despite carrying minor injuries from last week’s qualifying final loss to Melbourne.

For the Dragons, skipper Gareth Widdop (shoulder) is missing and centre Euan Aitken (hamstring) also remains sidelined.

The winner will meet minor premiers Sydney Roosters for a spot in the grand final.

Sam Burgess during Rabbitohs training at Redfern oval ahead of their semi final against the Dragons. Picture. Phil Hillyard
Sam Burgess during Rabbitohs training at Redfern oval ahead of their semi final against the Dragons. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/sam-burgess-caught-up-in-rabbitohs-sexting-scandal/news-story/979f7b90f6853f7123b627b4c251b248