Sam Burgess’s move to help secure a $38 million deal for the Bayview Hotel at Woy Woy alongside brother Luke was the talking point of 2021.
And, now the family has begun their renovation of the hotel, with a South Sydney Rabbitohs theme expected to take precedence, according to the Hotel Conversation.
Sam, who is rumoured to be hunting a spot as England rugby league’s defence coach at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, had a number of major issues to contend with last year.
Having been crowned victor of the SAS Australia reality TV show, his not guilty verdict for domestic violence was dropped by police.
Burgess also avoided conviction for driving with cocaine in his system in February 2021 after pleading guilty to three driving charges following a police pull-over.
His domestic violence was dropped despite continued outbursts by ex-wife Phoebe, who felt that the NRL had to do more to help what she feels is a culture of misogyny.
“I look forward to the day the NRL takes action to clean up this game, which has become the punchline of every terrible joke about sexism, violence and cover-ups,” Phoebe told the Australian.
“This is not the first episode, nor will it be the last, so I ask the NRL not to take a step back when it comes to reforming codes of conduct that allow situations like these to simply disappear.”
The $38 million deal of course won’t be paid by the Burgesses, but the duo have teamed up with with pub baron Stu Laundy to take control of the Barview after a bidding war took place in Sydney.
It will be interesting to see what 2022 holds for Sam and whether an incredible coaching role with England will actually be forthcoming. But, there is no smoke without fire and that fire appears to be growing.
