In a truly shocking development, Sam Burgess will be Warrington Wolves coach in 2024 after the departure of former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell.
Burgess could not be a more different appointment to Powell. Powell came into the Warrington job last year with huge experience.
He led Leeds and Castleford to a combined three Challenge Cup Finals and also led Castleford to a huge 50 points in 2017, the League Leaders’ Shield and a first ever Grand Final.
Conversely, this will be Sam Burgess’ first Head Coach job.
However, there are some who believe Burgess can succeed where things went wrong for Powell and among them is former St Helens and Salford Red Devils star Mark Flanagan who explained why Burgess can succeed on Out of your League.
“He’s an unbelievable leader. I think he will walk into that dressing room and get respect and get the players to play and play for him,” he said.
“The way Warrington started the season they were eight from nine so there is obviously something there.
“But I think they just need somebody there that they are prepared to run through brick walls for.
“It sounds like Daryl Powell lost the dressing room in the end but I think someone like Sam could really galvanise that group of players.”
Former Warrington halfback Matty Smith added: “You hear about his leadership. I did think Warrington would go down a more experienced route but what he has done in the game he will definitely get respect.”
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.
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.
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