Rabbitohs’ Sam Burgess sparks NRL investigation

By Jessica Rapana

Soon after emerging as grand final man of the match, Rabbitohs’ player Sam Burgess has found himself at the centre of an NRL inquiry.

During an interview with radio 2KY after the grand final, Mr Burgess said he didn’t “remember too much of it”, suggesting possible concussion and forcing the NRL to conduct an investigation.

The NRL told City Hub they have asked the Rabbitohs to explain the comment by Mr Burgess which suggested his recollection of the game was hazy.

“We have asked the Rabbitohs for advice on whether there were any signs that Mr Burgess suffered concussion and, if so, what action was taken by the club,” a NRL spokesperson said.

The NRL strengthened its concussion guidelines earlier this year to ensure clubs identify any player showing signs of concussion and remove them from the field immediately.

They have fined clubs up to $20,000 this year for breaching the policy, including the Penrith Panthers, the Canterbury Bulldogs and the North Queensland Cowboys.

Burgess received the injury in question after clashing with Canterbury player James Graham in the opening tackle.

He was not taken off for concussion tests and continued to play the remainder of the game.

“During the tackle, I knew I had broken it instantly,” he said in the radio 2KY interview.

But he said he did not want to come off after working so hard to get to the grand final.

“I just thought I would crack on and see how I felt.”

Burgess underwent surgery on October 7 after scans revealed a double fracture to the cheekbone and eye socket.

The NRL are currently awaiting the club’s response and will announce the outcome following completion of the inquiry.