WOLVESSam Burgess confirms Warrington Wolves contract extension offer and makes NRL admission

[josie andrews]

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has revealed all about how he is settling into the role in his debut season with the Englishman also letting slip that there is already an offer for a third year on his contract.

It’s not the first time that Sam Burgess has let slip details that had been previously unconfirmed with the Wire coach accidentally confirming Matty Nicholson’s NRL move in his post-match interview against Leeds Rhinos.

A day later, both Warrington Wolves and Canberra Raiders confirmed the news with the damage done by Burgess. Now, the 35-year-old has let slip to The Daily Telegraph in Australia that there are discussions ongoing already about him extending his deal beyond the initial two-year deal.

Asked about the prospects of a return down under, Sam Burgess explained: “It’s important I spend time here. I’m only nine months into my coaching career. There is some talk of adding another year at the moment.”

Following the axing of Daryl Powell, Burgess was appointed on a two-year deal last August, meaning his deal runs until the end of 2025 but after a Challenge Cup Final appearance and having guided his team to second in Super League, it’s no surprise there is talk of an extension already.

The most recent hurdle tick in Sam Burgess’ coaching career is the victory he oversaw on Friday night with Warrington Wolves managing to overcome the man disadvantage to hold out against St Helens and secure a 24-10 win.

It is a win that could define a season and it’s certainly defined his coaching career so far with his team showing the sort of grit and determination that Burgess displayed every time he took to the field throughout his own career.

Speaking about coaching in England, Burgess explained to the Telegraph that so far it has been “very natural”, with Super League proving a brilliant learning for him ahead of his anticipated NRL move.

He explained: “I knew there would be challenges but I’ve got a good team around me and a supportive owner which is key. I’m finding it all pretty natural.

“It’s refreshing living in England and coaching. You can make mistakes without it being news for a week. I don’t know what it would be like coaching at an NRL club but the big difference is the outside pressure.”

Sam Burgess admits NRL hopes but will “stay patient”

Of course, those sorts of mistakes don’t go amiss in Australia with the NRL being the major sporting competition and therefore the focus of every man and his dog.

There’s a reason for that though with it being the superior competition and one that the very elite, both players and coaches, wish to test themselves in and it’s widely expected that as he did as a player, Burgess will switch to the NRL as a coach.

However, he’s adamant that there’s still plenty of time.

I’m in no rush,” Burgess admitted.

“I know where it’s going. I’ll make a decision in the next couple of months for that last year. I do miss Australia.

“I have two children back there who I miss, so that will get me back there.At some point I’d love to be back but it will have to be the right thing. I’ll stay patient.”

There has previously been numerous reports down under linking him to vacant NRL positions, namely the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Parramatta Eels roles when they become vacant.

For now, Super League is lucky to have him so enjoy it whilst it lasts.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/sam-burg ... ion-95077/