Two Super League clubs to battle for Tom Burgess

Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Hull KR have all pulled off major signings for the 2024 Super League season and more major signings could still come including a huge signing in the shape of Tom Burgess.

The England international is still at South Sydney Rabbitohs but after Sam Burgess’ move to Warrington Wolves, it has been suggested that Tom could follow him to Super League and all the way to Warrington.

He is out of contract at the end of 2024 but there has been a suggestion that he could move sooner.

Now Stevo has said on the Eddie and Stevo podcast that he expects Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos to fight for his signature.

He said: “There’s speculation about Sam’s brother (Tom) coming over to play in Super League. Now, it’s already signed an extension for South Sydney.

“Now, if it was to the point where Sam said, I’d like you to come over and play for Warrington, then I could understand that. But this word about that the Leeds Rhinos want him.”

Stevo then explained why Burgess would likely go to Leeds as he heaped praise on Gary Hetherington:

“It’s simple, they’ve got the best organization and they’ve got Gary Hetherington, who in my mind should be running Rugby League full stop.

“Knowing Gary he’ll probably say to you ‘I’ve got a nice job at Leeds’, and he does a great job. This man has got rugby league running through his veins.

“He is the best organiser, he is the best PR person. It’s just unbelievable that he just knows how to get a good player. He doesn’t always get them, but I tell you what, he’s always in the mix.”

As for brother Sam, he 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.

Sam Burgess
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.