Sa,m Burgess: I don’t lack ‘self belief’ heading into Warrington Wolves head coach role

Sam Burgess takes over as head coach of the Warrington Wolves for the 2024 season; the former NRL star takes on his first head coaching role after leaving his job as assistant coach of South Sydney Rabbitohs

Making the move from assistant coach to head coach of a rugby league club can be a daunting task, but it is one that new Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess is keen to embrace.

The NRL and England decisively left his job as South Sydney Rabbitohs to take the step up in Super League and while many saw his appointment as something of a gamble by the club, Burgess disagrees.

Indeed, he believes the proof will come in the way his side performs in the 2024 season, but he is confident they will show what they are made of.

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Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess says his side ‘just need to tidy up a bit’ and discusses his coaching style.

“I don’t think so (it’s Warrington’s guess),” Burgess said.

“It’s probably best to revisit that question in six months.”

“The proof will be in the performance. I’m a novice coach, that’s the reality of the situation, but I don’t lack self-confidence.

“I understand what’s going on and the playing group is in good order, they just need some clean-up work.

“I think I can help there.”

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Jon Wilkin says he can understand why Warrington Wolves have chosen Sam Burgess as their new head coach and insists fans should be excited about the appointment

The 2023 season was a turbulent one for Warrington as their form deteriorated after a strong start to the season, subsequently leading to the dismissal of head coach Daryl Powell.

However, they got back on track in the latter stages to make the play-offs before losing to St Helens in the Super League Eliminators and the resilience shown has Burgess convinced only “minor adjustments” are needed to improve the side to get back to the top. .

“It will be authentic to myself and it will be adaptable along the way, but I’m just excited to bring the team in and get my hands on them,” Burgess added.

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Highlights from the Betfred Super League play-off match between St Helens and Warrington

“My measure of success is that I leave the place in a better position than when I found it.

“I think a big measure of success is gradual improvement and that’s what we’re looking for.

“The way the team has finished the last few years, there is plenty to work with and with a few minor adjustments we should be able to play some good rugby.

“Time will tell, I’m not going to make bold statements. It doesn’t help me, it doesn’t help the team.”