Warrington Wolves shocked the world when they announced that former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell was leaving and they shocked fans further when they announced that Sam Burgess was replacing him.
A great player, Burgess became perhaps the best forward on the planet at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
He even became a club legend when he helped the club to Grand Final glory when he won the Man of the Match despite a broken collar bone.
That legacy hasn’t saved Burgess though from being forced out of the club despite his assistant coach role.
He was released because of a disagreement between him and head coach Jason Demetriou.
After this, according to the Daily Mail, Burgess has been paid $700,000 as a payout fee and will still be paid by the Bunnies when he joins Warrington.
The Rabbitohs made the following statement:
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs have agreed with Sam Burgess today that he will be released from his assistant coaching duties for the remainder of the season to allow him to concentrate on his forthcoming role with the Warrington Wolves and the impending birth of his child.”
Sam Burgess responded with the following statement of his own:
“I’ve made the decision to step away from South Sydney, given the circumstances.
“My immediate focus is the upcoming birth of our baby and preparing for my new role at Warrington.”
Burgess will join the Wire for the 2024 Super League season having agreed a two-year contract.
Following his retirement from a decorated playing career in 2019, Burgess has transitioned into the coaching set-up at South Sydney Rabbitohs, currently working as an Assistant Coach for the NRL side.
Burgess is one of the most renowned and respected leaders in the global game. The former England captain famously led the Rabbitohs to the 2014 NRL title, being awarded the Clive Churchill Medal despite suffering a broken cheekbone in the opening minute.
He represented England and Great Britain on 26 occasions during his playing career and captained the national team to the World Cup Final in 2017 under the stewardship of Wayne Bennett.
As part of the review of the Rugby department, Gary Chambers will be promoted to Director of Rugby. He will have an overarching responsibility for the Rugby department from first team downwards.
Chambers will remain in interim charge for the remainder of the 2023 season before taking up the new role.
