Phoebe Burgess has emerged for the first time after her husband Sam Burgess was embroiled into the South Sydney Rabbitohs lewd photo ‘sexting’ scandal.
The 29-year-old WAG, who is currently heavily pregnant with the couple’s second child, stepped out in Sydney on Saturday afternoon with their daughter Poppy.
Earlier this week Sam denied all involvement with the controversy, and hired celebrity lawyer Chris Murphy to pursue defamation actions after he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the NRL.
Brave face: Pregnant Phoebe Burgess (pictured) emerged for first time with daughter Poppy on Saturday after husband Sam denied being involved in Rabbitohs ‘sexting’ scandal
Phoebe put on a brave face during the outing in Sydney’s Paddington with 18-month-old daughter Poppy.
The pair enjoyed some retail therapy while shopping in the lively area as the WAG flashed a defiant smile at one stage as she was photographed.
The beauty, who is 27 weeks pregnant, clutched her burgeoning bump while wearing a white maternity style skater mini dress as she ran errands.
Out and about: The 29-year-old WAG, who is currently heavily pregnant with the couple’s second child, stepped out in Sydney on Saturday afternoon with their daughter Poppy (pictured)
After hitting the shops, the mother-daughter duo then appeared carefree while playing in a nearby children’s playground.
A family friend then joined Phoebe as she returned to her white Range Rover.
Putting it behind them: Earlier this week, her husband Sam denied all involvement with the controversy and was cleared of any wrongdoing by the NRL
Defending his name: Sam has now hired celebrity lawyer Chris Murphy to pursue defamation actions. Pictured: Phoebe with Poppy
Growing family: Phoebe is currently pregnant with the couple’s second child
Her outing comes after the Rabbitohs star stated he was pursuing legal action against the defamatory claims after being cleared of all accusations.
The Rabbitohs on Friday said no player had broken club or NRL rules after a complaint was made by a woman alleging Rabbitohs players exposed themselves to her via Facebook in May.
Shortly after the NRL club released their statement, Burgess revealed on Twitter that he is now exploring legal avenues over the saga.
‘I have not sexted anyone. I fully cooperated with the inquiry as I said I would. I have engaged lawyer Chris Murphy to pursue my remedies and he has retained defamation lawyers,’ he said.
‘I have given a full account to the Inquiry and answered every questioned asked. It’s now in Mr Murphy’s hands. The next move is up to him. I have nothing more to say at this stage.’
Mother and daughter time: Phoebe put on a brave face during the outing in Sydney’s Paddington with 18-month-old daughter Poppy
Girls’ day: The pair enjoyed some retail therapy while shopping in the lively area as the WAG flashed a defiant smile at one stage as she was photographed
Playtime: After hitting the shops, the mother-daughter duo then appeared carefree while playing in a nearby children’s playground
Exciting times: The beauty showcased her burgeoning bump while wearing a white maternity style skater mini dress
Bumping alone nicely: Phoebe is currently 27 weeks pregnant
The woman, who was believed to be on holiday in South Africa, was this week interviewed by NRL integrity unit investigator Karyn Murphy but declined to be quizzed by a five-person panel.
‘Based on a thorough review of the available evidence before it, the panel was not satisfied that any South Sydney player engaged in any actionable misconduct resulting in a breach of their NRL playing contract, the NRL rules or the SSFC code of conduct,’ the club said in a statement.
A spokesman for the NRL said based on the information available, the NRL was satisfied with the position the panel has reached with respect to the allegations against players.
‘If any additional information emerges it will be considered,’ the spokesman said.
‘Moments in the sun with my babies’: Although Phoebe is yet to publicly address the scandal, she hinted that she is standing by her man in this Instagram post on Monday
Subtle: Despite not specifically mentioning Sam, she tagged him in the photograph
Welcome: A family friend later joined Phoebe during the outing
Two players were believed to have exposed themselves to the woman, who complained to the club via an anonymous email over a period of three months between May and August.
The matter rocked the league last week when News Corp Australia published the images, and named Burgess as the owner of the social media account.
It overshadowed the Rabbitohs’ semi-final win over St George Illawarra, and has since dominated headlines ahead of their grand final qualifier against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
An emotional Burgess also fronted the media this week, where he thanked his wife and family for their support and said he was ‘happy for the truth to come out’.
Clearing their names: The Rabbitohs on Friday said no player had broken club or NRL rules after a complaint was made by a woman alleging Rabbitohs players exposed themselves to her via Facebook in May
‘I have not sexted anyone’: Shortly after the NRL club released their statement, Burgess revealed on Twitter that he is now exploring legal avenues over the saga. Pictured: Phoebe Burgess
‘I fully cooperated with the inquiry as I said I would. I have engaged lawyer Chris Murphy to pursue my remedies and he has retained defamation lawyers,’ Sam said
The panel comprised ARL Commissioner Lea Drake, club chairman Nick Pappas, club staffer Emily Grant, chief executive Blake Solly, and Murphy.
Murphy has previously represented former NRL Canterbury star Hazem El Masri when charges of domestic charges against him were dropped in 2016.
He is also currently representing Australian actor John Jarratt, who has been charged with raping a woman over 40 years ago.
Controversy: The matter rocked the league last week when News Corp Australia published the images, and named Burgess as the owner of the social media account
Although Phoebe is yet to publicly address the scandal, she hinted that she is standing by her man in an Instagram post on Monday.
The WAG shared a photo which showed her sitting on a picnic rug beside Poppy.
While Phoebe didn’t address the scandal, she tagged Sam’s name in the image, suggesting that she is supporting her husband through the ordeal.
‘Moments in the sun with my babies,’ Phoebe captioned the Instagram snap, which saw her turning her head away from the camera.
The beauty wore black leggings and a white crop top, which allowed her to flaunt her burgeoning baby bump.
Phoebe and Sam married on 28 December 2015 at her parents’ sprawling home in Bowral, in the New South Wales Southern Highlands.
Loved up: Phoebe and Sam married on 28 December 2015 at her parents’ sprawling home in Bowral, in the New South Wales Southern Highlands