Ahead of the new Super League season, former St Helens star and divisive pundit Jon Wilkin has had his say on Warrington Wolves Head Coach Sam Burgess.
For the first time since he left for the NRL with South Sydney Rabbitohs, Burgess will be part of Super League.
Whether a success or not, Burgess will still go down as one of the most shocking appointments in Super League history.
Ahead of the new season, Jon Wilkin was asked on Sky Sports about which coaches are most under pressure and on Burgess he said: “He’s a multi-millionaire. What’s he going to do? Go back to Australia? I don’t think he’d be bothered if he lost his job. He’s here to learn the ropes and I don’t think he’s a stressy kind of guy.”
Burgess will start his Super League stint away against Catalans Dragons.
Super League club see future secured
Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 22/09/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 27 – Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons – AJ Bell Stadium, Salford, England – A general view GV of Salford playing Catalans. Salford AJ Bell Stadium
This came from Wilkin as it was confirmed that Salford City Council were taking 100% control of Super League stadium the AJ Bell.
This secures the future of the Salford Red Devils as Salford Mayor Paul Bennett said:
“In a mission close to my heart, Salford Red Devils RLFC will retain their position playing in the City of Salford, which is why the Community Stadium was built in the first place all those years ago, along with it being a place to call home for Salford Reds and Sale Sharks.
“We have exciting plans to engage fans, community groups & grass-roots rugby clubs, schools, education providers and residents with the City’s Community Stadium, along with Sports England, the Rugby Football League (RFL), Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Government, especially the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the work currently being undertaken around the future of rugby within the UK.
“Both codes are thriving in the city at a grassroots level with teams including league clubs Folly Lane, Salford City Roosters, Langworthy Reds and Cadishead Rhinos as well as our other professional club Swinton Lions. The union game is represented by local clubs at De La Salle, Eccles and Broughton, combined represent the positive growth of rugby in Salford.
“There is huge potential to use rugby to increase participation rates in sport and as a vehicle to contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of local people of all ages through all forms of the game and the wider activities of the Red Devils charitable foundation, providing new skills and aspirations. The rugby league club and the foundation serve the city as a community club and already deliver a huge range of initiatives, including SEND activity provision for children during school holidays and as an organisation, has the power to inspire, creating a healthier, more active community.
“The realisation of the City of Salford’s Community Stadium is an important aspect of our cultural, heritage, sporting & leisure assets within the City and builds on decisions the Salford City Council has already taken to land the Royal Horticultural Society’s 5th National Garden (RHS:Bridgewater) and the BBC’s Philharmonic Orchestra within the City, in addition to delivering our much loved Lowry Theatre & Art Gallery back in 2000, who are an vital cultural institution within our city, also looking after and curating the L.S. Lowry collection within the City and through-out the world.”
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