Warrington Wolves’ Las Vegas selection dilemma as Sam Burgess warns of huge pressure

Sam Burgess has conceded that he still does not know which of his Warrington Wolves squad will travel to Las Vegas to face Wigan Warriors as he outlined the processes the club have taken and the pressure his players will face when stateside.

Warrington will take on Wigan as part of the NRL’s season launch in Las Vegas with the Wolves and Warriors kicking off a day full of rugby league with four games to take place in total. Two NRL matches are also on the schedule at Allegiant Stadium whilst England’s Women will face off against Australia in an international Test.

Wire will head out stateside following the conclusion of their Round Two Super League clash against Catalans Dragons with their Vegas clash being played on March 1st at 9:30 pm UK time or 1:30 pm local time.

Despite the game being less than six weeks away, Sam Burgess has conceded that he still does not know which players will comprise what is expected to be a 20-man squad, although all eventualities are being prepared for including every player having visas.

“We don’t know who we’re taking – we’ve blanketed the whole squad almost,” Burgess told NRL.com.

“Everyone’s got ESTAs. It’s round three for us. Things can change, probably will change – judiciary rulings and injuries, it’s just the nature of the beast.”

Warrington Wolves squad to face major pressure in Vegas claims Burgess

Whilst it is uncertain which players will head stateside, one thing Burgess is certain about is how big the event is. As someone who played in the NRL for the majority of their career, he’s all too aware of how intensive the media can be – something he claims his side will have to try and adapt to.

He explained: “It’s down to us as professionals to manage the week and the hype – it’s going to be so different to a week in Super League because the NRL media are going to be there – it’s going to be crazy for our boys, a new experience.

“It will be a good experience for them as players, learning to manage external pressure. There will be that big game intensity, the big fan day on the Thursday night… it will be a good experience for them to feel that pressure, that heat – and then get on with the game.”

It’s expected that 10,000 Super League fans will travel with a large contingent of those being Warrington Wolves fans and Burgess is eager that his side don’t let the occasion take away from the ultimate goal.

“It’s our job. Our job is to go there and play well. That’s the bottom line. If you keep the main thing the main thing, it’s hard to get confused,” he declared.