Ex-Bradford Bulls and South Sydney Rabbitohs legend Sam Burgess could be set for a stunning club move.
Burgess is currently coaching the Orara Valley Axemen in local rugby league after spending some time out of the limelight whilst his domestic abuse court case got settled.
With those charges dropped, the SAS Australia winner has been linked with a move back into the spotlight ever since.
And, after being pictured alongside veteran coach and Dolphins boss Wayne Bennett for one of his Axemen fixtures, there has been rumours of a sensational move to the newest NRL side for 2023 with Burgess expected to choose between the Dolphins and the Rabbitohs for a future role at either club.
Alongside that, Burgess has also been in the New South Wales Blues camp ahead of the State of Origin Game 1 this week after being contacted by coach Brad Fittler.
That being said, the 33-year-old was coy when asked where his long-term future lies, though it is likely to be in the NRL.
“There’s a couple of things in the pipeline. I’ve got a couple of decisions to make about what’s best for my development so we’ll see how we go,” Burgess told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“[Coaching Orara Valley] is the best thing I’ve done and I’m out of the headlines. I’ve made mistakes without [the scrutiny].”
Burgess has revealed how the link up with the Blues came about.
“I’ve been great friends with Freddy for the last 10 or 12 years and he just reached out.
“By chance, I was in town. I miss the high-pressure environment as well, and it was good to be around here and feel the intensity.”
Former teammate and Blues hooker Damien Cook backed Burgess to make it in the big time.
“I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be a coach one day – and a very good coach.
“He’s someone who as a captain, I was very lucky to play under, and as a coach he’s someone you’d want to play for.
“I think whenever that times comes – I know he’s doing a good job up there at Coffs Harbour at the moment – he’s going to make a good coach one day.”