Australian journalist claims Warrington Wolves spoke to him before appointing Sam Burgess

This week, Warrington Wolves shocked the world when they appointed Sam Burgess as the replacement for former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell after his exit after defeat to Wakefield Trinity.

Powell started his time at Warrington in 2022 but it soon became clear that it seemed that the Wolves were going through some sort of rebuild and the rewards of it appeared to be coming in 2023.

They started the season with eight wins in a row but things have fallen apart and now they are headed in a bold new direction.

Warrington fans can seemingly thank Australian journalist The Mole of Wide World of Sports for the appointment as he claimed Warrington spoke to him about the move.

He said on social media: “Wolves asked me – I said GO FOR IT – but get an assistant with plenty of experience!”

Burgess will join the Wire for the 2024 Super League season having agreed a two-year contract.

Following his retirement from a decorated playing career in 2019, Burgess has transitioned into the coaching set-up at South Sydney Rabbitohs, currently working as an Assistant Coach for the NRL side.

Burgess is one of the most renowned and respected leaders in the global game. The former England captain famously led the Rabbitohs to the 2014 NRL title, being awarded the Clive Churchill Medal despite suffering a broken cheekbone in the opening minute.

He represented England and Great Britain on 26 occasions during his playing career and captained the national team to the World Cup Final in 2017 under the stewardship of Wayne Bennett.

Sam Burgess
As part of the review of the Rugby department, Gary Chambers will be promoted to Director of Rugby. He will have an overarching responsibility for the Rugby department from first team downwards.

Chambers will remain in interim charge for the remainder of the 2023 season before taking up the new role.

Richard Marshall will remain as Assistant Coach with a further update about a second Assistant to be announced in due course.

This is expected to be Sean Long who left Featherstone Rovers last night after defeat to Halifax Panthers over the weekend.