Phoebe Burgess Reveals Marriage to Sam Ended After Multiple Reconciliations, Addresses Infidelity

Phoebe Burgess has shared new details about the breakdown of her marriage to former NRL player Sam Burgess, revealing that the couple attempted to reconcile up to six times before their divorce was finalized. Speaking on the "(OVER)SHARE" podcast with co-host Hannah Ferrier, Burgess described the cycle of separation and reconciliation.

"We went back five or six times. That highway got a workout. I'd pack everything and f**king leave and then I'd go back," she said. Burgess noted that the COVID-19 pandemic provided the distance she needed to finally end the relationship and focus on her children.

Burgess also addressed the public humiliation surrounding the end of her marriage, recalling the moment she discovered reports of Sam's sexual misconduct in 2018. At the time, Sam Burgess was accused of exposing himself to a woman during video calls. Phoebe Burgess was pregnant with their second child at the time of the reports.

She further commented on Sam Burgess's public admission of infidelity during his appearance on the reality show "SAS Australia" in 2021. During the show, he acknowledged not always being a good husband and admitted to an affair with a woman in Melbourne.

"I don't think I was the greatest husband at times. I embarrassed my wife. I'd had an affair... That's true," he stated on the show. "I was away on tour, and regretfully that happened. Which would have been... it would have been a tough place for Phoebe to be."

Ferrier challenged Burgess's phrasing, noting the difference between an affair happening and Sam choosing to engage in it. Phoebe Burgess responded by emphasizing that actions define a person more than their words or feelings.

"Now, honestly, regretful that it happened, it didn't happen, you did it. Those are two different things," Ferrier said. Burgess added, "I've always believed more than anything, you're not what you say, or what you don't say. You're not what you feel or you tell people you feel. You are what you do or what you don't do. That's firmly what I believe."

She also reflected on fundamental differences between herself and Sam Burgess, stating that she had initially believed their shared values and desire for a family would be sufficient to overcome their issues.

"We had so many crossovers and so many values in important things, values we shared. And I thought that was enough to be from two different worlds," she said. "And I thought the idea of family that we both shared was the same, but it wasn't."

Sam Burgess and his new wife Lucy are expecting their third child together. Lucy announced the pregnancy in July, sharing a video with their two children and Sam. Sam Burgess and Phoebe Burgess share two children, Poppy and Billy.