Warrington Wolves stunned the world when they sacked former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell.
But that big decision was dwarfed by the call to replace him with former England and Great Britain international Sam Burgess who 10 years ago was one of the best players on the planet and perhaps the greatest British player produced in the 21st Century.
Burgess though couldn’t take over immediately because he was working with South Sydney Rabbitohs as assistant coach but in a huge shock he has left the club with immediate effect after falling out with Jason Demetriou over what he felt was preferential treatment of Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.
This raised the question, would Burgess take over prematurely?
Well according to Jenna Brooks, the decision has been made to stick to their plan of appointing Burgess in 2024.
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.
Sam Burgess said: “I’m pleased to confirm I will take on the role of Head Coach at the Warrington Wolves for seasons 24/25.
“From playing in the Super League to having the opportunity to lead an incredible club, it’s a full circle moment and one I am fully committed to and excited by.
“I want to thank Simon [Moran], Stuart [Middleton] and Karl [Fitzpatrick] at the Wolves for their courage and collaboration, as I look forward to returning to England to coach this great club.
“To Russell [Crowe], Blake [Solly], JD [Demetriou] and the stakeholders at South Sydney, thank you for supporting me in taking on this new position. We still have an opportunity to play some great football for the remainder of the year and to do so alongside our current staff and squad, is my focus.”
