Star player issues cryptic statement following Sam Burgess sacking

Sam Burgess is headed to Warrington Wolves to replace former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell in 2024.

However, he was unable to replace the departed Powell immediately due to the fact that he had commitments at South Sydney Rabbitohs as assistant coach.

As excitement built over his arrival at the end of the year, a controversy played out at Souths which would lead to his early exit.

Burgess has left the club with immediate effect following a falling out with Head Coach Jason Demetriou after he accused him of preferential treatment of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.

In light of this, Mitchell issued a cryptic statement saying:

“Sometimes we fight, sometimes we argue but there ain’t no negotiation on how much I love this club and my teammates!”

The decision has been divisive and former Warrington Wolves star Andrew Johns is not impressed.

“I am shocked,” Johns said according to the Daily Telegraph.

“I am blown away by it. I don’t know the nuances of what is going on there, but if Sam Burgess says we have a problem here, then guess what? We have a problem here.

“I am really shocked by it. They have two weeks to get their sh*t together, they have a big game coming up against the Roosters.

“When you are trying to get your sh*t together and you are consolidating and getting everyone going, Sam Burgess in my opinion would have been manna from heaven, he is the sort of bloke you need.”

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.

Richard Marshall will remain as Assistant Coach with a further update about a second Assistant to be announced in due course.