Warrington Wolves have stunned everyone with the appointment of Sam Burgess as their new head coach for the 2024 season replacing former Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos coach Daryl Powell who was let go by the Wolves following a defeat to Wakefield Trinity.
The appointment of the former Super League and NRL star will do little for their hopes in 2023 with Burgess not taking charge of the club until the 2024 season.
He is a stunning appointment. He was their second choice behind Justin Holbrook with the former St Helens boss rejecting the Wolves to sign a deal at Sydney Roosters as assistant coach.
Burgess has now spoken after signing a two year deal with the Wolves.
He said: “I’m pleased to confirm I will take on the role of Head Coach at the Warrington Wolves for seasons 24/25.
“From playing in the Super League to having the opportunity to lead an incredible club, it’s a full circle moment and one I am fully committed to and excited by.
“I want to thank Simon [Moran], Stuart [Middleton] and Karl [Fitzpatrick] at the Wolves for their courage and collaboration, as I look forward to returning to England to coach this great club.
“To Russell [Crowe], Blake [Solly], JD [Demetriou] and the stakeholders at South Sydney, thank you for supporting me in taking on this new position. We still have an opportunity to play some great football for the remainder of the year and to do so alongside our current staff and squad, is my focus.”
Warrington Wolves Chairman Stuart Middleton added: “We’re thrilled to have Sam join us as our new Head Coach.
“He is an impressive, young and determined coach with a huge reputation within the sport.
“He was a leader for both club and country at the highest level throughout his playing career and is extremely well-driven to now make his mark as a coach in Super League.
“The ambition he has for the club and the culture he wants to instil really impressed and stood out for us during the interview process. We firmly believe he is the right man to take the club forward.
“We’re delighted also that Gary [Chambers] has agreed to become the club’s Director of Rugby.
“As part of our review of the rugby operations we feel this new role will be strategically integral to both the short and long term vision of the club.
“Gary’s expertise and knowledge of the game, matched by his passion for the club, makes him the perfect fit. He is hugely respected by the players, staff and fans and I’m excited for him to lead the club forward alongside Sam in this next chapter.”
