‘Appalled’ Phoebe Burgess lashes NRL as Sam Burgess is cleared to return as Souths assistant coach

Phoebe Burgess slams the NRL for its ‘appalling’ response to her ex-husband’s wild behaviour, after the code gave Sam Burgess a $30,000 fine and 12-week suspension.

A furious Phoebe Burgess has slammed the NRL for its “appalling” response to her ex-husband’s wild behaviour, after the code gave former Souths superstar Sam Burgess a $30,000 fine and 12-week suspension.

Burgess was found guilty of breaching NRL rules by taking illicit drugs in a 2018 bender revealed by The Australian, being caught by police driving with traces of cocaine in his system, and threatening fellow footballer Billy Smith, also in 2018.

His penalty comes on top of a $20,000 fine for the Rabbitohs for failing to inform the NRL of a complaint against Burgess.

But the NRL said in a statement on Friday afternoon Burgess is now free to return to his role as an assistant coach immediately.

Burgess stood down in October 2020, when The Australian revealed allegations of domestic violence and abuse levelled by Ms Burgess and her father, high-profile businessman Mitch Hooke.

Mr Hooke said he saw Burgess assault his heavily pregnant wife by crushing his 116kg body onto her as she screamed, as well as haranguing her with abuse including “you weak c...”.

The NRL said it “did not find the available evidence was sufficient to support allegations that Burgess had engaged in domestic violence. A number of allegations relating to Burgess’ personal relationships did not relate to the NRL’s rules.”

Burgess stood down in October 2020, when The Australian’s report was published, and “will therefore be entitled to resume his duties, should he so desire,” the NRL statement said.

Burgess is medically retired and currently being paid $1 million a year by Souths. He has aspirations of coaching an NRL team.

“I am appalled,” Phoebe Burgess said.

“This conversation is not over. But this is not just about me. It’s about what women are worth to the NRL.

“For countless women in Australia, home is not a safe place to be.

“The message to them today is: don’t speak up, because even if you are believed, and even if the evidence is there, people in power will find excuses,” she said.

The NRL Integrity Unit interviewed Ms Burgess on several occasions during its 16-month investigation but did not inform Ms Burgess of its decision before she was told by The Australian.

“I was assured after hours and hours of speaking to the NRL that Mr Abdo would be contacting me to hear my story himself. He never called,” Ms Burgess said.

Phoebe Burgess.

In fact, Mr Abdo called Ms Burgess at 3.40pm on Friday, 20 minutes before the NRL’s embargo on the story was lifted, and she declined to speak to him.

“One of the most traumatic experiences of my entire life, that will affect me for the rest of my life, has been minimised to $30,000,” Ms Burgess said.

“I’m deeply saddened and disappointed. I stand by every word I have spoken and my focus has not wavered from making sure my children are being raised in a happy home.

“Women in this country know our judicial system is not quite there yet.

“But after the many hours of conversations I’ve had with the senior leaders of the NRL, I’m disappointed their system is also failing women so badly, in spite of all the public rhetoric.”

Burgess has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement yesterday he said: “I stand strongly against violence towards women.

“It has no place in society, no place in sport and no place in my life. I am thankful that the NRL has finally cleared my name against all allegations of domestic violence.

“I have now been cleared of three very public and defamatory investigations. This has been a long and damaging process, taking a toll on me both physically and mentally.

“I have accepted full responsibility for the way certain parts of my life have unfolded throughout the last 16 months.

“I can now move on and continue the next phase of my life knowing the truth has been revealed. I have made impactful and positive changes to my life and I am focusing on improving and developing as a man, son, father and now coach.”

Following a lengthy investigation into The Australian’s report, NSW police decided not to pursue criminal charges against Burgess.

It is understood several witnesses invoked their legal right to decline to give statements about what they saw and others told police they believed Burgess was in a drug-induced psychotic state and not responsible for his actions.

Last year, strike force commander Detective Senior Constable John Cosgrove, approached for comment, would only say the matter was “reviewed by our legal branch and the recommendation was no charges to be laid.”

Souths club doctor Andrew McDonald, who attended Burgess during the 2018 bender and allegedly prescribed the footballer an injectable tranquilliser in the name of Mr Hooke, was acting in his capacity as a private GP, not club doctor, the NRL found.

A nurse who attended Burgess, Jan Earl, has relinquished her nursing qualification and is now Souths’ Head of Welfare.

The NRL’s statement yesterday said “the available evidence did not support a finding that there was a cover-up by the club of the use by Burgess of illicit drugs, prescription drugs or that it engaged in a practice of covering up allegations of domestic violence.

“In particular, the investigation found that the treatment that the Club Doctor provided Burgess in his home following a medical incident was given in the doctor’s private capacity – not in his role as Club Doctor.

“Consistent with the doctor’s obligation of patient confidentiality, the Club was not informed of the medical incident or the treatment provided.”

Earlier in 2021 Burgess pleaded guilty to driving with traces of cocaine in his system but was not convicted.

He was acquitted on appeal of domestic violence intimidation against his father-in-law, Mitch Hooke.

The NRL said the Rabbitohs had made improvements to policy and procedures to ensure any future allegations are reported to the NRL Integrity Unit.

In the statement the Rabbitohs said they had responded to the breach notice at the time and now accepts the fine that has been imposed.

“The Rabbitohs wish to reiterate that there is no place in our society for violence, harassment or abuse against women,” the club said in a statement. “The Rabbitohs now consider this matter to be closed and will be making no further comment at this time.”

Late last year Burgess revealed legendary NRL coach Wayne Bennett was still in touch with him several times a week and had been ringing him on his way down to the changing rooms throughout Souths’ sensational finals series. They lost to Penrith in the grand final.