George [Surname]’s Post-Retirement Reality: From NRL Fame and Rugby League’s Most Famous Name to a Life Unrecognisable at 32

NRL Star George Burgess Embraces Single Life Post-Split

NRL star George Burgess, 32, has been spotted enjoying Sydney’s nightlife following his 2023 split from wife Joanna King after seven years of marriage. The former South Sydney Rabbitohs player appeared nearly unrecognizable during a recent outing in Kings Cross, sporting a bushy beard, unkempt hair, and a casual outfit of white pants, an olive T-shirt, and a light blue button-up shirt.

[Image: George Burgess laughing with two women outside a nightclub]
Caption: Burgess chats with two women during a night out in Kings Cross.

Sources confirm Burgess moved out of the family home in March 2023, relocating to Bondi, while Joanna reportedly returned to Queensland with their three children: Boston, 5, Birdie, 4, and Blainey, 3. Despite the split, the former couple remains amicable, with Burgess publicly acknowledging Joanna in a Mother’s Day tribute post-divorce.

[Image: George and Joanna Burgess together in a past photo]
Caption: Burgess and ex-wife Joanna King, who share three children.

The rugby league prop’s single life has included activity on dating apps like Tinder and Raya, signaling a new chapter. His relaxed appearance contrasts sharply with his clean-cut image during his NRL peak, where he made history as the first player to return to professional league after hip resurfacing surgery.

Burgess’ career has faced turbulence in recent years, including a 2022 charge of sexual touching without consent, of which he was acquitted. He also openly battled a gambling addiction, attending rehab in 2022 for personal struggles unrelated to the legal case.

[Image: Burgess in casual attire during his night out]
Caption: Burgess dressed casually for his evening in Sydney.

Since stepping back from rugby, Burgess has pursued acting, appearing in films like Locusts and Land of the Bad, the latter alongside Liam and Luke Hemsworth. He recently shared a teaser for Spartacus: House of Ashur (2025), cementing his Hollywood ambitions.

While his brother Sam Burgess’ divorce from Phoebe made headlines for its acrimony, George and Joanna’s split appears more subdued. Fans speculate whether Burgess’ nightlife escapades mark a fresh start or a fleeting phase, but for now, the father of three seems focused on rebuilding his career and life post-divorce.

[Image: Burgess smiling while smoking a cigarette]
Caption: The NRL star laughs with friends during his night out.

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