Sam Burgess facing Las Vegas lockout over US visa issue
Sam Burgess is racing the clock to get clearance to travel to America to coach his team in the NRL’s season opener next weekend.
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Sam Burgess is facing the possibility he won’t be in Las Vegas to coach his Super League side Warrington over US visa concerns.
Code Sports reports Burgess has travelled to the US consulate in London in a bid to have his US visa formally approved so he can fly into Las Vegas for next weekend’s action to kick off the NRL season.
Watch the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership season opening double-header LIVE from Las Vegas on Kayo, SUN 2 MAR 10AM | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Burgess, 36, is entering his second season in charge of Warrington and is aiming to help the Wolves win their first Super League title since 1954-55.
Warrington have opened their Super League campaign with two victories over Huddersfield and Catalans Dragons, but Burgess might not be able to be with his team for their match in Vegas next weekend against Wigan at Allegiant Stadium.
Wigan and Warrington will play the first game of the weekend in Las Vegas as part of an expanded package of four games in the NRL’s second foray there.
But according to Code Sports, Burgess’ late application for his visa may delay his arrival or even prevent him from attending the match.
It is common for NRL players who have had issues with police to be interviewed at the US consulate prior to being granted their visas and allowed to travel to America.
Reece Walsh, Josh Papalii, Tom Starling and Luke Brooks were some of the players who have had formal interviews before being approved to travel to America for the Las Vegas games.
Burgess pleaded guilty to three driving charges in 2021 including testing positive to a roadside drug test to cocaine, driving an unregistered vehicle, and driving without a NSW licence.
He avoided conviction and was instead ordered to complete a traffic offenders program.
“I think I’ll get there (to Vegas). It’s just taking longer than expected,” Burgess told Code Sports.
“It’s been a bit of a process over the last couple of days. The visa application now, it’s in for review, it’s been going on for a little while.
“I respect the process and everyone’s efforts to get it to this point, but it’s essentially out of my control at the moment.”
Burgess won the Clive Churchill for his heroics in the 2014 NRL Grand Final while playing with a fractured eye socket as the Rabbitohs won their first premiership in 43 years/
The former cross code star has long been viewed as a future NRL coach but departed his role as Rabbitohs assistant in a falling out with former coach Jason Demetriou.
Burgess is contracted with Warrington until the end of next season.
The 2025 NRL season kicks off next Saturday when the Canberra Raiders play the New Zealand Warriors, the Australian Jillaroos face the England women, before the Penrith Panthers take on Cronulla in the match of the day.
NRL 2025 Las Vegas games, Saturday March 1
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (8:30am AEDT)
Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (11:00am AEDT)
Australian Jillaroos vs England Women (1:15pm AEDT)
Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (3:30pm AEDT)
Originally published as Sam Burgess facing Las Vegas lockout over US visa issue
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