- Burgess shut down NRL return rumors
- He says he is very excited to be coaching Warrington Wolves
- Burgess has been linked with the top job at Rabbitohs
Souths and Warrington Wolves great coach Sam Burgess has ended talk of a return to the NRL to coach the struggling Rabbitohs in the near future, saying he is very happy where he is.
Burgess left the struggling Souths under a dark cloud last year amid an alleged dispute over the alleged favorable treatment of star players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, with coach Jason Demetriou siding with his fullback and his five-eighth.
The footballing great landed his first high-profile coaching job over the off-season with Super League side Warrington Wolves, who have started well this season.
Souths meanwhile sit in penultimate place in the NRL after five defeats and much speculation over Demetriou’s future.
Asked if there was a chance of making it to the NRL this season, Burgess told Sky Sports: “No, none at all. I have a two-year contract here and I will honor it.
Souths legend Sam Burgess (pictured) has shut down rumors he could return to coach the Rabbitohs this year, insisting he is happy where he is with Warrington.
Souths have had a horror star this season, losing five of their six matches
“Simon (Moran, Warrington owner) and everyone at the club have been brilliant.
‘I am very happy. I love our stay here and won’t be returning any sooner.
Despite having time off this week, Demetriou still faces a tough road ahead, with matches against Melbourne and Penrith in the next fortnight before the club’s draw becomes clear.
South Sydney’s next scheduled board meeting will take place between these two matches.
Chairman Nick Pappas said before the Sharks game he needed to see new determination and resilience – and Souths delivered both last Saturday night.
Star five-eighth Walker said the team played with Demetriou in mind.
“We always try to go out there and fight for the jersey and for the coach,” he said after the match.
“We have a ton of respect for JD and all the work he does. We wanted to show that. I thought we did that.
“You can see the effort and the energy.”
Burgess left the embattled South under a dark cloud last year after an alleged dispute
Souths coach Jason Demetriou (pictured) is feeling the heat this season
Captain Cameron Murray is expected to return from concussion for Souths’ next match against Melbourne on April 25, but Tyrone Munro (collarbone) and Tevita Tatola (foot) remain serious doubts.
Demetriou said on Saturday night he planned to stay on as coach for the Anzac Day clash, despite a run which has brought just five wins in 19 games since his side took the top spot last May.
