Warrington Wolves close to naming Sam Burgess as head coach

Reports in Australia over the weekend claimed The Wire had opened talks with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and England icon about succeeding Daryl Powell, who was relieved of his duties eight days ago.

Now, the Star's sister title, the Warrington Guardian, is reporting that following those talks, the club have settled upon Burgess as the man they want. A deal is believed to be on the verge of completion and could even be announced as soon as this week.

It is understood the 34-year-old will not take charge until next year, so Gary Chambers is set to remain as interim head coach until the end of 2023.

If and when the appointment is confirmed, it would be Burgess’ first top-grade head coaching position following his legendary playing career.

He did lead Orara Valley Axemen to a Group Two Grand Final last year as head coach and has held an assistant coaching position at Souths since the start of this year having retired from playing in 2019 following a shoulder injury.

Before then, he had helped the Rabbitohs lift the 2014 NRL Premiership as well as inspiring England to the latter stages of Rugby League World Cups in 2013, when they were beaten in the semi-finals by New Zealand, and 2017, when they reached the final before losing to Australia.

A legend as a player with Bradford Bulls, South Sydney Rabbitohs, England and Great Britain, Burgess has never held a top-grade head coaching role (Image: Andrew Cornaga/photosport.nz/SWPix.com)

Following Powell’s departure, Warrington immediately turned their attention to former St Helens head coach Justin Holbrook, who left Gold Coast Titans in June.

Holbrook confirmed he was close to accepting an offer to take over at The Halliwell Jones Stadium but instead decided to remain in Australia as an assistant coach at Sydney Roosters.

That led the club to Burgess, who now looks set to become the club’s 21st permanent head coach.