NRL 2023: Sam Burgess quits Rabbitohs to coach Warrington Wolves in English Super League
After Sam Burgess secured his first head coaching position in the English Super League, Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe gave him a good recommendation before he left South Sydney.
Russell Crowe, a co-owner of South Sydney, gushed about the new Warrington coach Sam Burgess, calling him a "magnet for players and student of the game."
In order to accept a two-year contract as head coach of the Wolves of the English Super League, Burgess has been released from his final year as an assistant with the Rabbitohs.
The 34-year-old Burgess, originally from Yorkshire, is one of the youngest coaches in the 27-year history of the Super League.
Former Orara Valley Axemen head coach Burgess will stay at Souths for the end of the season before heading back to England.
"Sam is going to be great for Warrington," Crowe said to the masthead.
He's a student of the game and a magnet for players.
I've known Simon Moran (the owner of Warrington and a concert organiser) for around 15 years.
In addition to being the mayor of Warrington, he is also the largest concert promoter in the country.
Simon is an excellent operator who is deeply invested in the success of "The Wire" in Warrington.
Souths head coach Jason Demetriou does not intend to hire a replacement for Burgess.
In order to compensate for Burgess' departure, the team is considering making internal changes.
Former Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook almost signed with Warrington before moving on to the Sydney Roosters.
The Wolves are currently seventh in the Super League standings with 11 wins out of 21 games played.
Players like Matt Dufty, George Williams, Josh Drinkwater, Paul Vaughan, Sam Kasiano, Thomas Mikaele, and Peter Mata'utia (all formerly of the NRL) may be found on the club's roster.
"It's great news for Sam to be appointed head coach," stated Blake Solly, CEO of South Sydney.
As part of their professional growth, our club has always encouraged our assistant coaches to apply for head coaching positions.
We wish Sam the best of luck with the Wolves, and Warrington is a terrific club owned and handled by very decent people.
On Tuesday, this masthead requested an interview with Burgess, but he declined because he didn't want to detract from the South's playoff effort.
We still have a chance to play some excellent football for the remainder of the year, and to do so alongside our current staff and squad is my priority," Burgess stated in a club-approved statement.
I will be eternally grateful to the South Sydney members, the best supporters in the game.
Whatever encouragement I feel from you, I will take with me. Do not consider this a farewell; instead, I hope to see you all again soon. SB #1073.”
BURGESS QUITS BUNNIES TO SEAL SHOCK COACHING MOVE
— Michael Carayannis
Sam Burgess was essentially dropped into the Warrington position and given his first senior head coaching job.
The South Sydney legend will take on the post beginning with the upcoming season, just days after Justin Holbrook turned down the offer.
The news that Burgess had suddenly become a candidate was splashed across the masthead. That's it; the deal is done.
Burgess signed a contract for two years.
"It's a full circle moment for me, from playing in the Super League to being given the chance to manage a fantastic club.
I look forward to returning to England to coach this fantastic club, and I want to thank Simon (Moran), Stuart (Middleton), and Karl (Fitzpatrick) at the Wolves for their courage and teamwork.
Thank you to everyone at South Sydney who has helped me get to where I am today, especially Russell (Crowe), Blake (Solly), JD [Demetriou], and the stakeholders. With the existing coaching staff and roster, I am committed to making the most of the remaining games this season.
Burgess turned down a trade to the Dolphins from Wayne Bennett this year, opting instead to play for South Sydney. Last year, he coached the Orara Valley Axemen to a runner-up finish in Group 2 in northern New South Wales.
His contract with the Rabbitohs was set to expire next year.