Burgess tipped as future NRL coach after leaving Souths for Warrington job

Rabbitohs players have backed Sam Burgess to return to the NRL as a head coach after leaving the club at the end of the season to take charge of Warrington Wolves

Burgess, who is currently a member of the South Sydney coaching staff under Jason Demetriou, has been appointed as coach of the Wolves for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The former England captain, who won the 2014 Clive Churchill Medal after inspiring Souths to their first premiership in 43 years, has limited coaching experience but Rabbitohs players predicted him to succeed in his first role.

“I think it's a great opportunity for him," Souths hooker Damien Cook said. "It was only a matter of time before he was going to get a head coaching role in the game and he was always, I guess, destined to do that.

“He thought that's the path to go overseas to get an opportunity and build confidence, but I think no doubt that he'll find his way back here as an assistant or a head coach at some stage.

“They'll love him over there, he's from there, he's played in that comp and he knows what it takes so I think he's going to be a great coach."

Prop Jai Arrow said Burgess worked closely with the Rabbitohs forwards and had all the attributes to become an NRL coach.

“I don’t see why not. If he’s going over there and coaching in the Super League, then I don’t see why he can’t come back,” Arrow said.

"He's a lot more hands on than people think, especially with us forwards.

"I didn't know what he was going to be like as a coach; if he was just going to sit in the background and sort of just keep quiet and try to learn new things, but he knows the game in and out.

"He's got a really good mentality and people want to play for him so I think that he will do really well."

The appointment of Burgess, an England dual international, follows the decision of former Titans coach Justin Holbrook to join Sydney Roosters as an assistant rather than return to England, where he previously coached St Helens.

“I’m pleased to confirm I will take on the role of head coach at the Warrington Wolves for seasons 2024 and 2025," Burgess said in a statement.

“From playing in the Super League to having the opportunity to lead an incredible club, it’s a full circle moment and one I am fully committed to and excited by." 

South Sydney CEO, Blake Solly, said Burgess has made an enormous contribution to the Rabbitohs.

“Sam made his name in the Super League playing for the Bradford Bulls and first arrived on our shores to join our club on his 21st birthday in 2009,” Solly said.

“Since then, he has gone on to win multiple George Piggins Medals, a Clive Churchill Medal and the Rabbitohs 21st premiership in 2014.

“Since his playing career has come to an end, he has set his sights on a coaching career which saw him coach his own side in the Orara Valley Axemen to a grand final last season, as well as assisting with our NRL side and our young talent over the past season with a specific focus on defence.

“Sam has been presented with an opportunity to become a head coach of one of the powerhouse clubs in the Super League competition and it’s an opportunity he wanted to take in his coaching journey.

"He moves to Warrington later this year with our blessing and we know he will be doing everything he can help us win our 22nd premiership before he leaves.

“On behalf of everyone at the Rabbitohs, we wish Sam and his fiancée Lucy the very best of luck when they return to England.

"We hope that sometime in the not-too-distant future the Rabbitohs can take on the Wire in the World Club Challenge.”

Burgess represented England and Great Britain on 26 occasions during his playing career and captained the Wayne Bennett-coached team to the 2017 World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium.

“I want to thank Simon [Moran], Stuart [Middleton] and Karl [Fitzpatrick] at the Wolves for their courage and collaboration, as I look forward to returning to England to coach this great club," Burgess said.

“To Russell [Crowe], Blake [Solly], JD [Demetriou] and the stakeholders at South Sydney, thank you for supporting me in taking on this new position.

"We still have an opportunity to play some great football for the remainder of the year and to do so alongside our current staff and squad, is my focus.”