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In its own words, South Sydney claims to have "one of the richest histories in the sport of rugby league". But for the Rabbitohs, the alleged lewd video saga is an unwanted and unpleasant chapter in their proud 110-year history.
The accusation that a 23-year-old female was exposed to nudity from an unidentified Rabbitohs player — or players — during a video chat, without her consent, remains unresolved.
Sam Burgess's social media account reportedly linked to the incident.
Burgess addressed the media on Tuesday for the first time since the story broke. But for a player who is renowned for big plays and dominant actions, the 29-year-old had little to say.
"I'm not getting into the detail ... there's an NRL investigation going on at the moment and I am happy for them to get to the truth, I really am," Burgess said.
The Englishman spruiked a familiar line, declaring there will no public comment until the investigation is complete.
Burgess admits it has been a "tricky" time and is hopeful the matter will be resolved ahead of Saturday's preliminary final against another of the code's foundation clubs, the Sydney Roosters.
But for one of the game's toughest players, this saga has had an emotional toll on Burgess.
"What hurts me the most is seeing my wife upset about what's out there," he said.
"It's been a tough process to go through.
"I've got a strong wife. I've got a wife who loves me, I've got great family, I've got great friends, great support around me that have, obviously, helped me through these allegations that have been made."
News of the incident emerged just a day before the Rabbitohs played their semi-final against St George Illawarra last Saturday night.
Although the Rabbitohs said they were blindsided by the alleged lewd video scandal, they still managed to avoid elimination and advance to the next round of the finals.
After the match, which the Rabbitohs won 13-12, Burgess was booed from sections of the crowd at Sydney's Olympic stadium as he left the field.
"I'm glad I've had a chance to address it," Burgess said.
"I just want to protect my family in this whole thing. I'm not running away and hiding from what's out there.
"There is an inquiry going on and it's coming to a close hopefully within 24 to 48 hours."
The alleged incident is believed to have taken place in May and the woman involved reportedly emailed the club about it the next day.
The NRL, however, was not aware of the matter until last week.
Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold said he was only told about the allegation last week. It has been reported that the matter only recently became public after the club failed to respond to the woman's email queries in a timely manner.
"Our club treats the accusations seriously, as do the NRL integrity unit. In consultation between the integrity unit and the club, my understanding is our investigation's ongoing," Seibold said at a media conference last Friday.
The matter remains unresolved.
So will this incident distract Burgess as the Rabbitohs push for the club's 22nd first grade premiership?
"I'll be fine come game time," Burgess said.
Topics: sport, rugby-league, nrl, redfern-2016
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