- Burgess silences rumors about his return to the NRL
- He says he is very happy training at Warrington Wolves
- Burgess has been linked to the top job with Rabbitohs
Souths and Warrington Wolves great head coach Sam Burgess has shut down talks over a return to the NRL to coach the struggling Rabbitohs in the short term, saying he is very happy where he is.
Burgess left the 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 fullback and five-eighth.
The football great landed his first top-flight coaching job during the off-season with Super League side Warrington Wolves, who have started well this season.
Meanwhile, Souths sit second in the NRL after five losses and plenty of speculation about Demetriou’s future.
When asked if there was any chance of making it to the NRL this season, Burgess said sky sports: ‘No, none at all. I have a two-year contract here and I am going to fulfill it.
Souths legend Sam Burgess (pictured) has dispelled rumors he could return to coach the Rabbitohs this year, insisting he is happy with his position at Warrington.
Souths have had a horror star this season, losing five of their six games.
‘Simon [Moran, Warrington owner] And everyone at the club has been brilliant.
‘I’m very happy. I love our time here and won’t be back any sooner.’
Despite the break this week, Demetriou still faces a tough road ahead, with games against Melbourne and Penrith in the coming fortnight before the club’s draw becomes clear.
South Sydney’s next scheduled board meeting will be held between those two games.
Chairman Nick Pappas said before the Sharks game that he needed to see some renewed determination and resilience, and Souths achieved both on Saturday night.
Walker, a star five-eighth, said the team had played with Demetriou in mind.
“We always try to go out and fight for the shirt and fight for the coach,” he said after the game.
‘We have enormous respect for JD and the great work he does. We wanted to prove it. I thought we did that.
“You can see the effort and energy.”
Burgess left the embattled Souths under a dark cloud last year after an alleged dispute.
Souths coach Jason Demetriou (pictured) is feeling the pressure this season
Captain Cameron Murray should return from concussion for Souths’ next game against Melbourne on April 25, but Tyrone Munro (collarbone) and Tevita Tatola (foot) remain serious doubts.
Demetriou said on Saturday night he hoped to remain coach for the Anzac Day clash, despite a run that has brought him just five wins in 19 matches since his team topped the table last May.