To the surprise of everyone, Tom Burgess will be joining Huddersfield Giants in 2025 despite the fact his brother Sam is Head Coach at Warrington Wolves.
The Wolves, or Super League rivals Leeds Rhinos were believed to be the likely destination for Tom Burgess with the family connection putting the Wire in the driving seat.
However, Huddersfield Giants have confirmed the signing of Burgess for three years from 2025 onwards.
Now Sam Burgess has addressed missing out on his younger brother: “That was custard pie on my face, wasn’t it? It all happened really quick. I didn’t get a chance to counter off of it.
“No, I’m really happy for him. I think he’s going to be great for the game. We’re local lads. We grew up 10 minutes down the road in a little village there. We all played for that service area. I think it’s a great coup for the game here.”
Burgess also revealed that the money Tom is getting at Huddersfield is “out of this world.”
He explained: “No, I’m joking around. Tom told me exactly where he was at and I had the perfect amount of time to counter offer and the numbers are just out of this world.
“I’m going to put my head coach hat on here, it wouldn’t be the right thing for the club to do it. I inherited a salary cap as it is, I can’t really do too much with it in the near future so I’ve got to be responsible in that respect.
“I have to be responsible for Warrington. Huddersfield came with a three year deal which is great for him. We just weren’t there financially. We were way off. That’s the nature of the beast.”
Serious About Rugby League understands that the wage makes him one of the highest paid players in Super League history.
Sam Burgess wishes Tom Burgess all the best
Sam Burgess will take his Warrington side to Perpignan for their first game of Super League this season. – Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxOllyxHassell/SWpix.comx SWP-2352-0001
As you would expect however, Sam wishes his little brother all the best as he spoke about Tom being able to return to where they grew up as kids.
He said: “Tommy and his young family will come back and live where we all grew up, which will be nice. I get to see more of him. I’d like to be coaching him, but he’s made that decision for his family and I’ve got to respect that.
“Yeah I think it’s really great isn’t it, and sport is so wonderful how it does take you to a whole different place and we have the opportunity to do that. I’m just thinking if his girls will actually go to the same junior school that he went to that would be quite cool. So I’m sure he’ll have all those decisions to make. I think it’s great for the game so I’m happy that he’s back here.”
