NRL star Burgess saves choking man

Sam Burgess has been labelled a hero after reportedly launching into action to save a man from choking during an eating competition in Sydney.

According to foxsports.com.au, the South Sydney Rabbitohs were taking part in an eating challenge at the Sydney Fish Markets on Friday when a Decosti Seafood manager joined in and began to choke.

Burgess apparently responded immediately, running to the man, grabbing him, then using his body weight to try to dislodge the food for up to 40 seconds until the man was able to swallow.

In a post on Twitter, the Sydney Fish Markets praised Burgess's actions, writing "All we can say is that @SamBurgess8 is a true #hero. And we are not talking about on the footy field. @SSFCRABBITOHS #lifesaver #thankyou".

Burgess responded: "@SydFishMarket @SSFCRABBITOHS glad I could help. I hope everyone is ok. Thanks for having us today".