South Sydney’s English wrecking ball Sam Burgess has been nominated for The Frownlow Medal after allegedly using a mobile phone to film his partner while driving.
The 2014 grand final hero and England Rugby Union World Cup player posted the video on social media then deleted it once the error was brought to his attention.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. The first medal was awarded to Sydney Roosters and New Zealand representative Shaun Kenny-Dowall in 2015.
The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame honours former players who receive media attention for similarly scandalous behaviour and its inductees include Ben Cousins and Todd Carney.
Burgess faces tough opposition for the award after weeks of outstanding off-field performances from players across the various codes, including many of his NRL colleagues.
First published in May 2016.
Image: Nuna
The Frownlow Medal 