Warrington Wolves stunned the world when they announced the departure of former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell and shocked them again when they announced that big name Sam Burgess was set to replace him in 2024.
Burgess is perhaps the best player British rugby league has produced in the 21st Century starting out at Bradford Bulls before becoming arguably the best forward on the planet at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
There he became a legend winning the 2014 Grand Final as he was named Man of the Match with a broken cheekbone.
He had a spell in rugby union before returning to the Bunnies and also helping England to the World Cup Final in 2017.
He is now working with the Rabbitohs as assistant coach ahead of his move to Warrington but in a shocking twist he and fellow assistant John Morris are set to be sacked by the club.
This is according to the Sydney Morning Herald who have reported that Burgess and Morris have complained to head coach Jason Demetriou about what they feel is preferential treatment to stars Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.
The club are now set to tell them their services are no longer required.
It begs the question, will he take over at Warrington early?
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.