A sexting scandal will hang over embattled South Sydney when they attempt to keep their NRL premiership dreams alive in Saturday’s semi-final against St George Illawarra.
The Rabbitohs are in the throes of an investigation into a star player’s involvement in an alleged sex video during an online chat with a young woman in May.
News Corp Australia reported verified social media accounts belonging to star forward Sam Burgess is at the centre of the saga.
There was no suggestion Burgess was involved, however it is alleged multiple Rabbitohs players exposed themselves to the 23-year-old woman after a win over the Warriors.
The club revealed that it had contacted the woman on Friday, and that a panel had been established to co-ordinate the investigation alongside the NRL integrity unit.
South Sydney also confirmed that police have laid multiple charges on prop Zane Musgrove over a domestic assault matter.
The developments came less than a day before the Rabbitohs face the Dragons in a final-six clash, with the winner to advance to a grand final qualifier.
Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold admitted he was only made aware of the sexting drama on Thursday and that it was up to him to ensure the players’ minds were on the job.
“They’re professional athletes. I’m a professional coach. So that’s our job,” Seibold said.
“We’ve got to make sure that we have a really competent session (on Friday) in the team meeting room, and it’s led by me.
“I need to make sure that I’m across what we need to do for tomorrow night’s game. We’ve had a really good preparation so far.
“Obviously it’s not ideal that these accusations have come out and they’re front page news. It’s not what anyone wants, it’s not what I want. It’s not what our game needs.”
Rabbitohs pair Adam Reynolds (shoulder) and Greg Inglis (ribs) are both set to play despite carrying minor injuries from last week’s qualifying final loss to Melbourne.
For the Dragons, skipper Gareth Widdop (shoulder) is missing and centre Euan Aitken (hamstring) also remains sidelined.
The winner will meet minor premiers Sydney Roosters for a spot in the grand final.
At work
Roar Rookie
They should definitely be stood down but haven’t been because the NRL love Souths. They couldn’t have been any happier when they beat the Dogs in 2014. Todd would love them to win again this year.
Roman
Guest
Have a cup of tea and a lie down Rob.
Romankasjan@hotmail.com
Guest
Wow Rob. Care to bring some facts and links along with that? You want to stand players down for what exactly?
Rob
Guest
No they shouldn't wait to the end of the season the players involved should be stood down now.Souths have always tried to hide misbehaving before they are not the pride of the league they are the disgrace of the league
steveng
Roar Rookie
Gee the media are good at creating 'fake news and a scandal' out of nothing! If the NRL media is so 'in the know' why didn't the media expose this in May this year? This is just a low act and if I were Seibold, I wouldn't not front up to the media, there are no questions to answer for Seibold and this should be left to the authorities and most certainly until the end of the season!