NSW Police organised crime squad sets up strike force to investigate Burgess allegations
The police investigations into the allegations against Sam Burgess and South Sydney have escalated after the matter was referred to the NSW organised crime squad.
Strike Force Irrabella has been tasked with the probe following explosive allegations aired in The Australian of drug use and domestic violence. The report claimed that South Sydney was privy to the allegations but covered up for their star player.
Burgess stood down from his roles as Rabbitohs coaching assistant and Fox Sports commentator on Friday.
"An investigation has been commenced by the organised crime squad under Strike Force Irrabella," NSW police said in a statement.
According to The Australian report, South Sydney doctor Andrew McDonald treated Burgess with a tranquiliser to calm him during a drug-fuelled episode, but wrote the prescription in somebody else's name. It was also alleged that another doctor arranged blood tests for Burgess under a different name, with that test then alleged to have returned positive signs of a number of recreational drugs including MDMA.
In his pre-match media conference on Saturday morning, coach Wayne Bennett said McDonald would continue his duties with the team for Sunday’s finals clash with Newcastle.
Sam Burgess is facing serious domestic abuse and drug allegations.Credit:Getty
"The team doctor is one of the most honest people I've ever met and worked with," Bennett said.
"He's been here for 25 years. Anyone who knows the team doctor knows his ethics and he does a great job here. I wouldn't be jumping the gun about what the club doctor has done or hasn't done.
"He will be with the team tomorrow. He wasn't here this morning because he doesn't come in on Saturdays. He will be with the team tomorrow and there's no reason why he shouldn't."
Bennett, who has a long association with Burgess which began at international level with the England squad, claimed he was personally unaware of any of the allegations and hit back at suggestions they were widely known at the club.
"That is not true. It was not known widely within the club because I've been here since '18 and I knew nothing about it until I'd been told in the last 24 hours," Bennett said.
"I have never had a player or any staff member talk to me about it in any shape or form.
"They are allegations. When we get all the facts together and see this at the end of the day, we will take another position on it and make another statement."
Asked about Burgess' alleged drug issues, Bennett said: "That's the first I've ever known of him taking drugs.
"I've never heard a rumour around the club about Sam Burgess taking drugs."
Sport newsletter
Sports news, results and expert commentary delivered straight to your inbox each weekday. Sign up here.
Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.