NRL 2023: Sam Burgess quits Rabbitohs to coach Warrington Wolves in English Super League

Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe has given Sam Burgess a glowing reference, as he departs South Sydney after securing his first head coaching role in the English Super League.

Sam Burgess will depart the Rabbitohs, after signing on to become the coach of the Warrington Wolves in 2024. Picture: John Grainger.

In a glowing reference, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe has described new Warrington coach Sam Burgess as a “magnet for players and student of the game.”

Burgess has been released from the final year of his Rabbitohs’ assistant’s role to take up a two-season contract as head coach at the Wolves in English Super League.

At just 34, Yorkshire-born Burgess becomes one of the youngest coaches in Super League’s 27-year history.

Burgess, who coached Orara Valley Axemen to the group two grand final last season, will remain at Souths until the end of the season before returning to England.

“Sam is going to be great for Warrington,” Crowe told this masthead.

“He is a magnet for players and he is a student of the game.

South Sydney's Russell Crowe (R) has given Sam Burgess (L) a glowing reference, after joining the Warrington Wolves as head coach for 2024. Picture Gregg Porteous.

“I’ve been friends with (Warrington owner and concert promoter) Simon Moran for 15 or so years now.

“As well as running Warrington he’s the biggest live music promoter in the UK.

“Simon a good operator and he cares passionately about The Wire (Warrington).”

Souths have no plans to replace Burgess on head coach Jason Demetriou’s coaching staff.

The club will look at an internal restructure to cover Burgess’ loss.

Warrington was close to signing former Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook, who eventually joined the Sydney Roosters.

The Wolves have won 11 of 21 games this season and are running fifth on the Super League competition table.

The club’s roster includes former NRL players Matt Dufty, George Williams, Josh Drinkwater, Paul Vaughan, Sam Kasiano, Thomas Mikaele and Peter Mata’utia.

“It’s great news for Sam to be appointed head coach,” said South Sydney chief executive, Blake Solly.

Burgess coached the Orara Valley Axemen to a premiership in the Group 2 rugby league competition. Picture Frank Redward.

“Our club has always supported our assistants putting themselves forward for head coach roles as part of their career development.

“Warrington is a good club, owned and run by very good people and we wish Sam every success at the Wolves.”

This masthead spoke with Burgess on Tuesday and requested an interview but he didn’t want to take focus away from Souths’ push for the finals.

In a club approved statement, Burgess said: “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.

“To the South Sydney members, the greatest fans in the game, I forever thank you for always being behind me.

“I will carry that support I feel from you wherever I go. This is not goodbye, but see you all soon. SB #1073.”

BURGESS QUITS BUNNIES TO SEAL SHOCK COACHING MOVE

—Michael Carayannis

Sam Burgess has been handed his first senior head coaching job after being parachuted into the Warrington role.

Just days after Justin Holbrook rejected the deal, the South Sydney legend will step into the role from next season.

This masthead first revealed Burgess had become a shock contender. Now the deal is finalised.

Burgess has agreed to a two-year deal.

Sam Burgess will depart the Rabbitohs, after signing on to become the coach of the Warrington Wolves in 2024. Picture: John Grainger.

“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,” Burgess said.

“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.”

Burgess rejected a move from Wayne Bennett to join the Dolphins this year to instead return to South Sydney this year. He spent last season coaching the Orara Valley Axemen in Group 2 in northern NSW to a grand final loss.

He had another year left on his Rabbitohs deal.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Sam Burgess quits Rabbitohs to coach Warrington Wolves in English Super League