South Sydney CEO Blake Solly says he has no concerns information was being leaked by NRL assistant coaches Sam Burgess or John Morris.
Burgess was sensationally axed from his role on Wednesday morning and left Bunnies HQ in Maroubra, possibly for the last time. Morris has kept his job, at least for now.
The 2014 grand final hero will head to the Super League to be head coach of Warrington later this year.
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Rumblings began on Monday after a Sydney Morning Herald report revealed Burgess and Morris had raised concerns about perceived double standards relating to superstar players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.
While it’s been suggested Burgess was a source of information, Solly hit back at that allegation when speaking to media on Wednesday.
“There is no suggestion here at the club that Sam or John have leaked any information to the press,” Solly said.
“The decision was made after a good conversation with Sam and the board.
“Sam is a legend of the club, he will always be a legend of the club.
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“Sam is always going to be welcome at this club.”
Burgess and Morris had reportedly raised concerns with head coach Jason Demetriou about the way Mitchell and Walker were being treated when compared to other players in the squad.
Demetriou refused to confirm or deny that suggestion when it was put to him on Wednesday.
”Sam and I had many discussions, it’s not something I’ll be talking about publicly, the discussions between Sam and I, and I’m sure Sam will respect that as well,” Demetriou said.
“We all have differences – I had many conversations with (former South Sydney head coach) Wayne Bennett, and every coach that I’ve worked with, we all have differences.”
When asked if the drama will derail the team’s push for finals, the coach responded, “Not at all, it is what it is”.
“The decision has been made, (Burgess and the club are) both supportive of the decision, and we get out there and train.”
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The club maintains the narrative that Burgess has left to focus on the looming birth of his child, and his future obligations with Warrington
South Sydney has the bye this week and then will likely need to beat the Roosters in the last round to qualify for finals.
Mitchell has been suspended for one game for a “silly” act against the Knights on Sunday, and will miss the clash with the Roosters which the Rabbitohs need to win.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
