Warrington Wolves considering Sam Burgess for head coaching position

He’s not long retired as a player, but South Sydney great Sam Burgess is already being considered for a key coaching position in a major surprise.

English great Sam Burgess has emerged as a surprise contender for the vacant Warrington position after Justin Holbrook knocked back an interest in the position.

Burgess headlines a list of potential Australian-based candidates who Warrington are keen to sound out before they make a long-term coaching appointment.

The other option is Cronulla assistant coach Josh Hannay after their first choice in former Titans coach Holbrook rejected their advances.

Burgess has made it known that he has ambitions to one day be a head coach having made the transition into the coaching ranks since retiring at the end of a decorated career in 2019. He has one year left on his coaching contract at the Rabbitohs but the club would not stand in his way should he take up a top job.

Burgess has been coaching at the Rabbitohs. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Morris and fellow South Sydney assistant Ben Hornby are off-contract at the end of the season but the Rabbitohs are keen to keep both men on their staff.

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.

Burgess’ family situation may also impact a potential move with his partner Lucy Graham pregnant.

Warrington are also exploring potential options in England after their coach Daryl Powell was sacked this week. Holbrook’s immediate future will be in the NRL. He is now likely to join his former club the Roosters as an assistant coach to Trent Robinson in a major change for the Roosters.

Rabbitohs assistant John Morris. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The Wolves remain in the finals hunt in a team which includes ex-NRL players Matt Dufty, Paul Vaughan and George Williams.

The side has capitulated despite winning their opening eight matches of the season, having lost six in a row – triggering the sacking of Powell.

Adrian Lam, Willie Peters, Tony Smith and Rohan Smith are the only Australian’s coaching Super League clubs. Lam and Peters have had instant success this season with their sides Hull KR and Leigh competing in the Challenge Cup final.