Sam Burgess has Warrington Wolves ‘trust’ problem says pundit after latest selection

Kevin Brown believes Sam Burgess has a lack of trust in his Warrington Wolves half-back options in George Williams’ absence.

Warrington take on St Helens this evening as they look to bounce back from successive defeats to Hull FC and Leigh Leopards in Super League. However, they do so without the presence of George Williams, who is sidelined with an ankle injury that requires surgery.

As such, for the second game running Burgess has gone with Danny Walker alongside Marc Sneyd in the stand-off spot, snubbing the likes of Oli Leyland and Stef Ratchford. It means Walker is moved from his usual nine spot into the halves, with Sam Powell getting the nod at hooker.

Brown, who made 55 appearances for Warrington Wolves over his career, would have gone a different way, though, with the retired half-turned-pundit pointing to Burgess’ issue with his half-backs.

Kevin Brown on Warrington Wolves’ half-back issue

“I think it’s a lack of trust,” Brown told Sky Sports when asked about Burgess’ half-back selection. “The Vegas game wasn’t great for Leyland. He got exposed defensively and Sam clearly doesn’t trust him.

“The problem with Danny Walker is you’re putting one of the best hookers in the competition out of position. I agree with what he’s said, he’s a robust character, but the threat from nine has gone.

“I’d have gone with a different approach. Let Marc Sneyd run the team and put Ben Currie there and let him run the ball. He’s a great defender as well and he’s often just one place different than that

“I think the danger is like Sam is saying, you want confidence and he’s saying ‘well, we’ve Danny Walker a go and if it doesn’t work, we’ll change it’, Oli Leyland’s confidence is going to be shot.

“Stef Ratchford is a senior player and his confidence is going to be shot. You’re tinkering around and looking for a magical cure but it’s not there, it’s hard work and resolve and getting behind your kicking game.”