Brian Carney compares Sam Burgess with Pep Guardiola as he touts him for the Warrington Wolves job

One week ago today Warrington Wolves made the decision to part ways with Daryl Powell with the ex Castleford Tigers and one time Leeds Rhinos boss being fired after 50 games in his 18 month spell in charge at the Halliwell Jones.

A torrid 2022 season was followed up by an incredible start to 2023 but since those opening eight wins Powell led his side to a record of three wins in twelve, with the defeat to Wakefield marking six losses in a row and the end of his tenure.

The Wire’s first choice target Justin Holbrook knocked them back in favour of remaining down under, signing up with Sydney Roosters for 2024, and that had led Warrington to a surprising candidate.

Sam Burgess is now the frontrunner for the job with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that Burgess has informed Souths of his intention to leave and link up with Warrington for 2024.

That would seem to suggest that Gary Chambers will continue to front the side for the rest of this season but the Burgess name is one that is growing strength.

Sky Sports’ Brian Carney spoke ahead of today’s coverage of Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Leopards suggesting he could be the man for job which sparked a debate between himself, Jamie Jones-Buchanan and current Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair Head Coach James Simpson.

Simpson responded: “Sam Burgess is a leader of men, he’s one of the best players this country has ever delivered, but he’s not ready to take charge of a team like Warrington. They need someone with an absolutely proven track record.”

Jones-Buchanan accepted that the motivational element Burgess would bring could work.

“I think this game needs that leadership,” he explained.

“You get coaches that come in and they deal with where the ball’s going to get kicked and how it’s going get passed and all the little ingredients and nuances within the talent in your side comes together, but it’s all about that leadership for me and it goes a long way in advance on the spot I would believe.”

Carney continued his support of Burgess to the Wire as he made a comparison to one of the greatest coaches of the current generation in football.

“I’ll throw a little one at you as well, I believe Pep Guardiola took charge off Barcelona two years after hanging the boots up, so I mean if Pep can do it at Barcelona then maybe Sam can do it at Warrington, who knows?”