Warrington Wolves will have Sam Burgess at the helm in 2024 after it was confirmed earlier this year that the England legend and former South Sydney Rabbitohs star would take his first head coaching role up at the Halliwell Jones Stadium from next season.
That came after a week long search for a head coach following Daryl Powell’s sacking, one that had seen former St Helens’ boss Justin Holbrook as the initial front runner.
Finally though Warrington settled on Burgess who had bene working as an assistant at the Rabbitohs and he will link up with his new club for 2024 following the birth of his child down under.
With Burgess lacking experience it was queried who would come in to help him and Warrington have now confirmed that martin Gleeson will be one of those men, signing a two-year contract to be the club’s first team coach.
In a statement shared to the club website, they announced the news:
“Warrington Wolves is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Martin Gleeson as the club’s first team coach on a two-year contract.
“The former Wire centre has been working with the club on an advisory role for the last six weeks, focusing on the team’s attack.
“He will now take up a permanent position within our coaching setup for 2024 onwards under the leadership of new Head Coach Sam Burgess and Director of Rugby Gary Chambers. Richard Marshall will also remain with the club as Burgess’ other Assistant.
“Gleeson made 117 appearances in the primrose and blue between 2004-2009, scoring 48 tries. The former Great Britain and England international is a two-time Super League winner.
“Following his retirement from playing he experienced an assistant coaching spell with Salford Red Devils as well as crossing codes into Rugby Union as attack coach for Wasps and the England national side.”
Martin Gleeson said: “I’m really excited to be staying and working with the team over the next couple of years.
“I’ve only been with the group a short period of time but have fallen in love with the place and the players. I’m excited by the potential of where we can take this team going forward in tandem with Sam [Burgess].
“I want to thank club for the opportunity and feel this is the right move for me in my coaching career.”
Warrington Wolves Director of Rugby Gary Chambers added: “Martin brings a wealth of knowledge from his involvement in both codes.
“He’s worked at the highest level in the most elite environments and I’m looking forward to him imparting that knowledge and experience on our players and environment.”
Warrington Wolves Head Coach for 2024 Sam Burgess said: “It’s great news for the club that we have Martin with us for another two seasons.
“We have noticed his impact on our team in an interim basis with Gary [Chambers] and Rich [Marshall].
“He is a clever coach and has great relationships with the players.”