Sam Burgess speaks out on NRL links as Warrington Wolves boss outlines interest

Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has outlined his interest in taking on the head coach position at the NRL’s newest club Perth Bears.

The NRL will welcome two teams into the competition over the next three years with Perth stepping into the fray in 2027 before a team from Papua New Guinea join the season after. As such, there has already been a degree of focus on who could play for the sides and who could pick up the head coach reins.

Leeds Rhinos’ Brad Arthur has been linked to the Bears job, with Arthur yet to commit his future to Leeds beyond the end of the season. However, an AAP report earlier this week claimed Burgess was considered to be a contender for the role, too, with the Englishman’s ability to attract overseas stars seen as pivotal as the NRL looks to expand it’s current talent pool.

Burgess is contracted at the Halliwell Jones Stadium until the end of the 2026 season, ensuring he could be available to take on the role and speaking ahead of Magic Weekend where Warrington take on Wigan Warriors, the Wire boss admits he would be interested in the role.

Warrington Wolves’ Sam Burgess comments on NRL head coach links

“It’s a great opportunity and a job I’ve certainly spoken about. I’d be interested in it for sure,” he said, per All Out Rugby League.

“I’ve got a job to do here, but there will always be things happening in the background and I’m pretty open with the club about everything. Nothing is signed or agreed just yet, and I’ll be the first to let the club know of anything if I need to.

“It is something I’d be really interested in and I feel I could make a total difference there, but for now I’m totally focused on Warrington.”