Warrington Wolves: Sam Burgess reaffirms commitment amid rumours of NRL coach swap – reports
Sam Burgess signs autographs for fans before the NRL Round 25 match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights, Photo by AAP Image/Darren Pateman.
Sam Burgess has reaffirmed his commitment to Warrington Wolves amid reports involving the head role at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that there was speculation that the 2014 premiership-winner was being sounded out as a potential replacement for current South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Jason Demetriou for next year.
NRL legend Burgess, who retired in 2019 on medical grounds, left his role as assistant coach at the club just two weeks ago amid claims of favouritism for stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.
However, the 34-year-old says the impending birth of his child plus his new role with Warrington saw him walk away from his former club, having returned as an assistant ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Anonymous officials from Warrington told The Sydney Morning Herald that the club had been made aware of speculation that a ‘high-level Rabbitohs figure wanted Burgess to consider returning to the club’ with a potential coach swap sounded out.
That reported deal would have seen 47-year-old Demetriou head to Super League and take charge of the Halliwell Jones Stadium outfit, with Daryl Powell having been relieved of his duties at the end of July after a horror run of form.
South Sydney Rabbitohs have since denied the claims, according to the reports, with Demetriou contracted until the end of 2026 on a huge $2.5million deal.
The Rabbitohs were dumped out of the top eight by rivals Sydney Roosters during the ultimate round of the regular NRL season, with Trent Robinson’s side claiming a 26-12 win and a place in the finals.
They became the first side in the NRL era to lead the competition Down Under after the first 11 rounds and go on and miss the finals, according to AAP’s Scott Bailey.
South Sydney’s capitulation the worst of the NRL-era.
They become the first team since the introduction of the top-eight finals system to miss the playoffs after sitting first on the ladder at any point from round 11 on. @AAPSport #NRLSouthsRoosters
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) September 1, 2023
It is also the first time since 2017 the Rabbitohs have failed to finish in the top eight.