Sam Burgess faces Las Vegas exile as visa issue stops Warrington coach from flying to the US

Sam Burgess has been left in the UK as his team flew to Las Vegas, as he races the clock to coach his side this weekend.

Warrington head coach Sam Burgess has been left at home in the UK as his side boarded a flight to Las Vegas for the Super League’s historic foray into the US.

The NRL great is at risk of missing his side’s clash against Wigan next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, due to visa issues.

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The South Sydney great travelled to London in an attempt to expedite his visa, however, as yet the issue has not been resolved.

Coaches and players with a criminal record are often interviewed by the US consulate before being granted visas.

Burgess pleaded guilty to three driving charges in 2021.

Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess may miss his side’s Las Vegas expedition due to visa issues. Image: Getty

Warrington will play in a historic Super League clash against Wigan next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

He also tested positive to cocaine during a roadside test. He avoided conviction and was instead ordered to complete a traffic offenders program.

However, despite his previous run-ins with the law, Burgess told Code Sports he is confident he’ll still be able to join his team in time for the game.

“I think I’ll get there (to Vegas). It’s just taking longer than expected,” Burgess said.

“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.”

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 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.

Warrington coach Sam Burgess missed his flight to Vegas. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

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 faces Las Vegas exile as visa issue stops Warrington coach from flying to the US