The NRL wants to gag him, his club is struggling to restrain him and opposition fans are lining up to give it to him.
But Sam Burgess has found an ally and supporter in Manly coach Des Hasler.
Hasler is mindful an angry Burgess is a dangerous Burgess as the Englishman prepares to take out a fortnight’s worth of pent-up frustration on the Sea Eagles in Friday night’s elimination semi-final at ANZ Stadium.
MORE: Damien Cook defends 'angry head' Sam Burgess after latest run-in with judiciary
But despite the potential damage Burgess could wreak, the Manly boss loves what the big Pom brings to the NRL.
“I like watching him play. He’s not just a good player but I think he adds great drama and really good theatre to the game,” Hasler said.
Asked if Burgess’ aggression was good for the game, Hasler responded: “Depends how you want to define aggression.
“Are you asking me is Sam Burgess good for rugby league and the NRL?
“Of course he is…of course he is.”
Burgess is in a dark place after being called in by the NRL to explain his explosive comments attacking the judiciary system.
He has been stewing ever since being suspended for a hair pull and missing last week’s qualifying final loss to the Roosters.
There is a sense he could really pull the trigger against Manly and cut loose to send a strong message to his many detractors.
“I don’t think he’ll worry too much about that (this week’s drama),” Hasler said.
“He’s just a competitor. He’ll turn up ready to play.
“I think you’ve only got to look at his experience and what he brings to the side.
“He’s an important part of his side, along with (Adam) Reynolds and (Cody) Walker.
“It will be a different South Sydney to the one we saw last week against the Roosters.”
When it was suggested his players might target Burgess in a bid to put him off his game, Hasler replied: “I don’t think so. I don’t think they will. They’ll be too busy chasing the leather to worry about Sam Burgess.”
Manly have lost nine straight games at ANZ Stadium dating back to 2013.
But they will enjoy close to a 50-50 split in crowd support, with 15 bus loads of fans making their way over from Brookvale after strong ticket sales from Manly fans.