Sam Burgess has spoken of his excitement to work with an ‘outstanding’ Super League player after Warrington Wolves confirmed the signing of Huddersfield skipper Luke Yates.
Luke Yates had first been linked with a move to Warrington Wolves in April and the transfer story has gained traction quickly enough to the point where Warrington has actually been able to announce the Australian’s signing, showcasing that Sam Burgess works fast when he identifies a transfer target.
Those initial reports surrounding Wire moving for Yates came from Aaron Bower but they’ve snowballed since then with Huddersfield even speaking out on the reports at the start of May.
Assistant coach Luke Robinson addressed the-then rumours, stating: “This is what normally happens at this time of year. Obviously, good players will get linked to other clubs, unfortunately, when your contract’s up. I wouldn’t expect anything else.”
“I think we’ll try everything in our power to keep him,” Robinson continued, adding on: “Obviously, we’d love to have him stay. I’d be gutted if he went.”
Unfortunately for Huddersfield, and fortunately for Sam Burgess, Yates has left and will be a Warrington player in 2025 and both player and coach have had their say.
Sam Burgess factor plays its part in huge signing
Credit: Imago Images
With Sam Burgess at the helm, the job of attracting overseas players will inevitably be easier given the reverence that he holds down under after his incredible career.
That level of admiration and respect goes even further with forwards though with much of the current crop of players have based elements of their game on the Englishman.
It seems that’s no different for Luke Yates who said: “The opportunity for me to come and play for a club like Warrington with Sam Burgess as Head Coach is massive for me.
“Sam was someone I idolised when he played NRL and to have the opportunity to work and learn from someone like him was a big factor.”
Yates explained that he’ll be bringing his leadership to the fore too, despite Wire having England’s captain George Williams in their ranks.
Speaking as part of the press release for his signing, the Aussie said: “I’ll look to lead by example with my work ethic and how I go about my business. I want to contribute to success there from next season.
“I’m excited to get amongst it with the club and to play in front of the Warrington fanbase next year.”
Burgess ‘excited’ about latest signing
Credit: Imago Images
Warrington Wolves have done plenty of retention under Sam Burgess so far with their commitment to the injured Leon Hayes showing what a huge part of the club’s plans he is.
However, the signing of Huddersfield’s captain Yates is their first major piece of recruitment for 2025 but it’s one that Sam Burgess is incredibly excited by.
He said: “Luke is an outstanding player who has been one of the comp’s most consistent and hard-working forwards for a number of years.
“He will bring great quality and leadership to our pack and I’m excited to work with him next season.”
The signing will also make for an interesting clash when Warrington face Huddersfield in Round 16 with Yates set to play at his future club whilst trying to help avenge the embarrassing Challenge Cup semi-final defeat.
