NRL Las Vegas: Sam Burgess left stranded in UK and racing clock ahead of historic Warrington v Wigan clash

Sam Burgess remains stranded in the UK ahead of Warrington’s historic clash with Wigan in Las Vegas, leaving a Super League veteran to take control of the side in his absence.

Sam Burgess is no closer to landing in the US to take up his position as Warrington coach with assistant coach Martin Gleeson taking control of the Wolves’ preparations.

Burgess is still stranded in the UK with the former South Sydney star racing the clock to have his visa sorted before his team take part in a historic clash against Wigan in Las Vegas.

Warrington officials still remained hopeful that Burgess would be right to join the side and have so far elected not to place a deadline on the decision.

However, as the kick-off inches closer, Burgess’ ability to be with his side in the lead-up to the game has been severely impacted.

They are optimistic that they will have Burgess in the US in time for a crucial hitout against Penrith on Friday – two days out from the match against Wigan.

Penrith and Warrington have agreed to go through a scrimmage so too have Wigan and New Zealand. It would be a blow for the match if Burgess is missing given he still remains a drawcard across multiple countries.

Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess is still stranded in the UK.

Gleeson has stepped up in Burgess’ absence and he will take charge of the side should Burgess miss the game.

Gleeson had a decorated 300-game career in the Super League and played 26 internationals for England/Great Britain.

He is however yet to coach a Super League side. The Wolves team is filled with a stock of former NRL talent including Matt Dufty, George Williams, Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Paul Vaughan.

The Wolves left for the US on Monday with Burgess remaining in the UK.

Burgess was forced to skip Warrington’s flight because he still has not been granted a visa to enter the US because of previous legal issues during his time in Australia.

The Wolves head coach was forced to make a last-minute dash to London in a bid to receive a clearance which would enable him to travel.

Burgess met with the US consulate in London just days before he was due to fly out, but it wasn’t enough to expedite the process. The issue is that Burgess pleaded guilty to three driving charges in 2021 — testing positive to a roadside drug test to cocaine, driving an unregistered vehicle, and driving without a NSW licence. He avoided conviction but was instead ordered to complete a traffic offenders program.