It has been reported by Sky Sports’ Brian Carney that Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess and Hull FC Director of Rugby Richie Myler were involved in an “altercation” after the Warrington boss had questioned Hull FC.
The incident happened after Warrington’s 24-6 win over Hull FC in which Warrington had been docked an interchange due to an administrative error when filing their team sheet.
Warrington had reported on their social media that they had Adam Holroyd in their 21-man squad but when they attempted to name him in their matchday squad they were informed that he hadn’t been confirmed for their initial squad.
As such, the club were deducted one of their eight interchanges and it led to Sam Burgess bursting into an on-air rant post-match regarding player welfare and Hull FC’s refusal to allow Warrington to use their full eight interchanges.
Just minutes after that post-match interview, Sky Sports showed footage of Sam Burgess and Richie Myler crossing paths in the tunnel with the Warrington Wolves coach seen to clash with Myler as the pair exchanged words.
Sam Burgess slams Hull FC and Richie Myler over player safety
Credit: Imago Images
The punishment of losing an interchange has already been administered this season with Salford Red Devils docked one during their Round Two win over Castleford Tigers, however, Sam Burgess took great exception to it.
That’s because he has claimed that it was a matter of player welfare as he revealed Hull FC had the opportunity to allow Warrington to keep that interchange.
Instead, Richie Myler and Hull FC opted to enforce the rules and Sam Burgess spoke post-game claiming that it was the wrong choice for all involved.
Speaking to Jenna Brooks, he explained: “It was poor management from someone. We put our 21-man squad in and Hull and Richie had a decision to make before, if they would accept it, but they wouldn’t.
“I find that disappointing in today’s world where we talk about player welfare. We named a 21-man squad, it’s on our social media and it’s public.”
Expanding further on the safety issue, Burgess said: “We’ve got to get it right. We talk about concussions and protecting our players and tonight we failed. Someone needs to be held accountable for that.
“We had a choice to make before the game and we didn’t make the right choice for the players,” Burgess argued, alluding to Hull FC’s decision not to accept Warrington’s inclusion of Holroyd in the squad, thereby docking Wire an interchange.
Burgess added: “If it had been the other way around then I’d have made the right choice for the players, regardless. Get on board, what are we doing?”
You can see that rant and the tunnel incident in the two attached tweets below.
" Tonight you failed! Someone needs to be held accountable for that" 😡
Sam Burgess addresses the interchange situation from his perspective. pic.twitter.com/7jxL3jTxXZ
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) May 3, 2024
Looks like it wasn't just the players getting heated this evening 👀 pic.twitter.com/DXrNP5AbkT
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) May 3, 2024
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