Sea Eagles’ statement regarding Luke Burgess

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles first made contact with Luke Burgess and his management in October of 2014 about the possibility of joining the Sea Eagles in 2015 and 2016.

As a part of the Sea Eagles' Recruitment Committee's screening processes, representatives from the Club contacted the NRL's Integrity Unit to seek confirmation that there were no issues in signing said player.

It was at this point the Club was made aware of an incident on a recent trip to Arizona involving the player. The Club was given assurances that the matter had been appropriately dealt with by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, in consultation with the NRL's Integrity Unit, and as such, the player's contract was registered with the NRL.

The Club respects the need for the Integrity Unit to investigate the matter completely, and as such will not be making any further comment while the matter remains ongoing.