Even though he played and assisted as an assistant coach for a while at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, legendary forward and current Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess has no plans to return for another stint with the team anytime soon.
Burgess has agreed to a contract extension with the Wolves that will go until at least the conclusion of the 2026 season, the team announced this week.
The Wolves are leading the English Super League table thanks to the rookie head coach who took over the reins this season. However, there has been nearly constant rumor that he will return to South Sydney the following season to train under Wayne Bennett before taking over as head coach in a few years.
By resigning, the 35-year-old put an end to any possibility of that occurring and stated that his two years in leadership would not be sufficient to accomplish his goals.
Burgess stated in a club release that he was extending his stay, “It’s great to extend my time at the club.”
“My family and I are having a great time here, and I adore the town and the community. The fans have been wonderful to work with, and the board has provided me with great support.
“I felt that two years wasn’t enough, and a third gives us more scope to plan with what we’re building here, and we’re heading in the right direction.”
This implies that South Sydney may now consider Ben Hornby, the club’s current interim coach, as the candidate to succeed Wayne Bennett when the latter departs. Bennett will work closely with Hornby during his tenure at the club.
During the 2010 St George Illawarra Dragons premiership season, Hornby was a player under Bennett.
For the next two seasons at least, Burgess will continue his quest for Super League titles, and Karl Fitzpatrick, CEO of Wolves, stated that the team is “delighted” with the contract extension.
Fitzpatrick remarked, “We are thrilled to have secured Sam for an additional 12 months.”
Having witnessed Sam’s preseason methods in action, I assured our supporters at a preseason fans’ event that this town and community would have a team to be proud of. It’s safe to say that he has fulfilled that promise completely.
“I believe we have the most talented and in-demand young coach in the league. We’re hoping that the groundwork he and his group are laying will position us for something exceptional in the future.
Sam Burgess and Super League leaders ink new contract.
Following his signing of an extension with Super League leaders Warrington, South Sydney star Sam Burgess may have to wait a little longer for his services if NRL clubs are keeping an eye on his growing coaching career.
Burgess, who moved to Warrington last year from his position as an assistant coach at the Rabbitohs, has accepted a new contract with the English team.
After signing a 12-month extension, the 35-year-old was initially under contract until the end of 2025.
The former England Test player’s future as an NRL coach has been suggested, but his new contract will keep him with the Wolves through the end of 2026.
Burgess released a statement saying, “My family and I are really enjoying our time here, and I love the town (Warrington) and the community.”
“The fans have been wonderful to work with, and the board has provided me with incredible support.”
“We’re heading in the right direction and I felt two years wasn’t enough and a third gives us more scope to plan with what we’re building here.”
Burgess has been given what is perhaps the biggest challenge in the British game: putting an end to Warrington’s 55-year premiership drought.
rought which stretches back to 1955.
| # | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
China | 11 | 7 | 6 | 24 |
| 2 |  |
USA | 9 | 15 | 13 | 37 |
| 3 |  |
France | 8 | 11 | 8 | 27 |
| 4 |  |
Australia | 8 | 6 | 4 | 18 |
| 5 |  |
Japan | 8 | 3 | 5 | 16 |
| 6 |  |
Great Britain | 6 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
| 7 |  |
South Korea | 6 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| 8 |  |
Italy | 5 | 7 | 4 | 16 |
| 9 |  |
Canada | 3 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| 10 |  |
Germany | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
However, the dual-code international has already demonstrated coaching potential.
Currently leading the Super League, Warrington faced defeat in June’s Challenge Cup final against Wigan.
Karl Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Warrington, continued, “I believe we have the greatest and most sought-after young coach in the league.
“The foundations he and his team are laying will hopefully set us up for something special for a long time.”
Using PA
