Strike Force Irrabella set up to investigate Sam Burgess domestic violence and drug allegations
NSW police have confirmed a strike force has been set up to investigate domestic violence and drug allegations against NRL star Sam Burgess.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NSW Police have confirmed it has set up a strike force to investigate domestic violence and drug allegations against former South Sydney Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess.
A spokeswoman told NCA NewsWire on Saturday the probe was being conducted under Strike Force Irrabella.
Burgess stepped down from his development coaching role with the club ahead of their elimination final against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday amid bombshell accusations of domestic violence and drug use reported in The Australian.
Burgess has strongly denied the allegations.
Burgess’s father-in-law, Mitch Hooke, alleged to the newspaper that he witnessed his son-in-law act violently towards his pregnant daughter Phoebe after he came home from a bender in November 2018.
The Australian also reported that Mr Burgess received medical attention that night and club doctor, Souths chief medical officer Andrew McDonald, allegedly injected him with liquid tranquilliser, which was obtained through a prescription written in someone else’s name.
“I don’t have any comment at this stage,” McDonald said in response to questions submitted by the newspaper.
Burgess’ lawyer Mark O’Brien says the NRL star vigorously denies the accusation.
“The allegations are false and constitute an indefensible defamation against my client,” Mr O’Brien told the The Australian.
“It is apparent sources of the false allegations are those currently in dispute with my client over various issues.”
Coach Wayne Bennett has strongly denied an allegation in the report the club covered up the alleged misconduct.