Burgess cops mammoth fine, NRL suspension

Former South Sydney star Sam Burgess has been copped a huge punishment for a string of incidents in his time with the club.

And the Rabbitohs have also been handed a whack, fined $20,000 for not promptly advising the NRL of an allegation made against Burgess.

The 33-year-old was fined $30,000 and suspended for 12 weeks as an official after using illicit drugs and threatening another rugby league player in 2018, and for breaching New South Wales law in February 2021 when he drove with drugs in his system.

Burgess still played for the Bunnies in 2018, while he was on their football staff for the 2021 offence.

He stood down in October 2020, but with his suspension backdated can resume his role immediately.

The NRL investigation did not find sufficient evidence Burgess had committed family violence as per allegations, while it notes other allegations regarding his personal relationships do not relate to NRL rules.

That finding is consistent with NSW Police Strike Force Irrabella's findings.

Meanwhile, South Sydney was fined for not promptly telling the NRL's Integrity Unit about one allegation made against Burgess, but the league did not find evidence the club had tried to cover-up illicit and prescription drug use and domestic violence allegations.

The league's statement notes treatment a club doctor gave Burgess at his home after a medical incident was in his private doctor's capacity, meaning the club was not informed of it per confidentiality.

A South Sydney statement said they accepted the fine.

"The Rabbitohs wish to reiterate that there is no place in our society for violence, harassment or abuse against women," it read.

"The club also takes issues of drug use very seriously and has established policies and procedures