- Burgess shut down rumors of a return to the NRL
- Says he is very happy with his coaching at Warrington Wolves
- Burgess has been linked with the top job at Rabbitohs
Souths great and Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has ditched talks of a return to the NRL to coach the struggling Rabbitohs soon, saying he is very happy where he is.
Burgess left embattled 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 full-back and five-eighth.
The football great landed his first top-level coaching job in the off-season with Super League side Warrington Wolves, who have started well this season.
Souths, meanwhile, sit second in the NRL after five defeats and much speculation about Demetriou’s future.
When asked if there was a chance of going to the NRL this season, Burgess said Air sports: ‘No, nothing at all. I have a two-year contract here and I will honor that.
Souths legend Sam Burgess (pictured) has debunked rumors he may 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 games
‘Simon [Moran, Warrington owner] and everyone at the club was brilliant.
‘I’m very happy. I’m enjoying our time here and won’t go back any sooner.’
Despite a farewell this week, Demetriou still faces a difficult road ahead, with games 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 match that he needed new determination and resilience – and Souths delivered both last Saturday night.
Star five-eighth Walker said the team had 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 game.
“We have enormous respect for JD and the amount of work he puts into it. We wanted to show that. I thought we did that.
‘You see the effort and the energy.’
Burgess left the embattled South last year under a dark cloud after an alleged dispute
Souths coach Jason Demetriou (pictured) is feeling the heat this season
Captain Cameron Murray should 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 evening that he expected to remain coach for the Anzac Day match despite a run that has seen just five wins in 19 matches since his side topped the table last May.
