NRL 2020: Rabbitohs overcome Knights in elimination final amid Sam Burgess drama

A furious Wayne Bennett has rejected claims South Sydney Rabbitohs would be affected by the drama surrounding Sam Burgess, after their 46-20 NRL elimination finals win over Newcastle Knights. 

The lead-up to the match was overshadowed by shocking allegations against former Souths player and current assistant Burgess, which saw him step down from his current role, while the NRL, New South Wales Police and Rabbitohs investigate.

The Australian newspaper claims the Rabbitohs covered up several incidents involving the former England captain that allegedly took place in 2018, which included domestic violence against then-pregnant wife Phoebe and failed drug tests, which the club allegedly attempted to cover up. 

The 31-year-old's lawyer Mark O'Brien says his client strongly ­denies all allegations.

Before the game, Bennett insisted the drama wouldn't affect his squad and he was right, with his side scoring 46 unanswered points, after trailling 14-0 after 10 minutes. 

"You guys don't listen, which probably annoys me more than anything else," says Bennett. "I said two days ago that it had no impact on the team. 

Cameron Murray scored for the Rabbioths in their win over the Knights.
Cameron Murray scored for the Rabbioths in their win over the Knights. Photo credit: Getty

"It wasn't going to have one. It still hasn't, it won't.

"I coach the team. I know what's going on in the organisation and it was never going to have an impact on the team.

"Commonsense will tell you that, I'm not going to go into detail about it, you think about it."

The Rabbitohs now face Parramatta Eels next weekend and the winners of that will square off against red-hot Penrith Panthers for a spot in the NRL Grand Final. 

Join us on October 25 for live updates of the NRL Grand Final