Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has addressed the vacant England coaching job after being recommended for the role by a former coach.
The news came last week that head coach Shaun Wane had resigned following the 3-0 Ashes defeat over the autumn, leaving England without a head coach just nine months out from the upcoming World Cup.
That understandably saw the starting pistol fired for the race to be the next England head coach and whilst a number of names are understood to be interested, no standout has emerged yet.
Multiple names have been suggested and one of those is Sam Burgess with his biggest advocate being former England head coach Wayne Bennett, the man who took England to the World Cup Final in 2017.
Bennett, widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the sport, spoke to the media in Australia to back Sam Burgess to take on the role with James Graham as an assistant.
Graham reacted to that on his podcast, explaining his lack of coaching experience whilst backing Brian McDermott for the role, and now Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has had his say.
Sam Burgess bats back England links
Speaking at Wire’s media day this week, the 37-year-old told was asked about Bennett’s comments, confirming to BBC Radio Merseyside that he had been made aware of them.
“I didn’t see but my Mum told me about it,” he explained, before going on to silence any rumours.
“I’ve not really thought about it, I’ve got my mine focused pretty hard on what we’re doing here so it’s not crossed my mind really.
“We’ve got a bit to sort out here.”
Pushed further on if he would consider the role once pre-season was over if it were still available mid-season, Burgess said: “I don’t know, like I say, I’ll keep my head down. I’m working hard here.
“I don’t think anyone knows what is happening but I’ll get my head down and do what we’re doing, staying focused on the group.”
The Englishman is off-contract at the end of the season, however, the RFL have made it clear that the role of England coach is set to become a part-time role anyway.
The first game that any coach would have in charge would be the nation’s World Cup opener in Perth against Tonga.
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