HIS heroic efforts in the 2014 helped deliver South Sydney a premiership but now Sam Burgess is a hero off the field after saving a man’s life on Friday.

The Rabbitohs squad were at the Sydney Fish Markets competing in an eating challenge as part of a team bonding session on a rainy day in Sydney.

According to a witness who asked not to be named, when a staff member from De Costi Seafood joined in on the action he began to choke and that’s when the backrower sprung into action.

“The Souths boys were at work doing a fish-eating challenge and then one of the managers got involved,” the witness told foxsports.com.au.

Sam Burgess is hoisted high after leading the Bunnies to the 2014 NRL title. Source: News Corp Australia

“They were eating and some seafood got caught in his throat and he started choking. Sam raced straight over and grabbed him and started putting his body weight on him to try and get it out.

He was helping him for about 30 to 40 seconds and instead of spitting it out he ended up swallowing it, but if Sam hadn’t have helped it could have been bad.

“I’m telling you Sam is a hero.”

All we can say is that @SamBurgess8 is a true #hero. And we are not talking about on the footy field. @SSFCRABBITOHS #lifesaver #thankyou — Sydney Fish Market (@SydFishMarket) January 22, 2016

@SydFishMarket @SSFCRABBITOHS glad I could help. I hope everyone is ok. Thanks for having us today — Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) January 22, 2016

Burgess rejoined the Rabbitohs earlier this month after marrying his partner during the off-season.

The Rabbitohs were at De Costi as part of a challenge day where they were split into small groups.

The witness said that when the staff member began to choke a number of players began to assist him but it was Burgess’ heroics that saved his life.

Sam Burgess on wedding day with bride Phoebe Hooke. Photo: Lauren Trompp Photographic. Source: Supplied

“He saved this life,” the witness said. “Another 30 seconds and it could have gone either way.

“All the guys were amazing. Taking photos with people. Michael Maguire was great and I’m a Manly fan but it’s important people know what a great thing Sam did.”

A South Sydney official confirmed an incident took place on Friday but declined to comment.

Incredibly it’s not the first time Burgess has saved someone from choking to death, as he performed the Heimlich Manoeuvre on a man struggling to swallow a sausage in England in 2007.

On that occasion, Burgess said he was inspired by a scene from the movie “Mrs Doubtfire”.

“That’s where I got the idea from. I remember seeing it done on the film and thought — Mrs Doubtfire,” he said at the time.

“I’ve never done first aid in my life or received any training but it was just natural instinct and the spur of the moment.

“He was really grateful afterwards and said we’d saved his life but I was just happy to help.”