- Burgess shut down rumours about return to the NRL
- Says he’s very happy coaching at Warrington Wolves
- Burgess has been linked to the top job with Rabbitohs
Souths great and Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has shut down talk of a return to the NRL to coach the struggling Rabbitohs any time soon, saying he’s very happy where he is.
Burgess left embattled Souths under a dark cloud last year amid an alleged dispute over the purported favourable treatment of star players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, with coach Jason Demetriou siding with his fullback and five-eighth.
The footy great took his first top-flight coaching job over the off-season with Super League side Warrington Wolves, who have started well this season.
Souths meanwhile sit second-bottom of the NRL following five losses and much speculation about Demetriou’s future.
When asked if there was any chance of heading to the NRL this season, Burgess told Sky Sports: ‘No, none whatsoever. I’ve got a two-year contract here and I’m going to honour that.
Souths legend Sam Burgess (pictured) has shut down rumours he may return to coach the Rabbitohs this year, insisting he’s happy where he is with Warrington
![Souths have had a horror star to the season, losing five of their six matches](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/21/02/83900271-13322141-image-a-80_1713662415694.jpg)
Souths have had a horror star to the season, losing five of their six matches
‘Simon [Moran, Warrington owner] and everyone at the club has been brilliant.
‘I’m very happy. I’m loving our time here and won’t be going back any sooner.’
Despite a bye this week, Demetriou still faces a hard road ahead, with matches against Melbourne and Penrith in the coming fortnight before the club’s draw clears up.
South Sydney’s next scheduled board meeting will fall between those two games.
Chairman Nick Pappas said before the Sharks match he needed to see some new-found 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 and go out there and fight for the jersey and fight for the coach,’ he said after the match.
‘We’ve got tremendous respect for JD and how much work he puts in. We wanted to show that. I thought we did that.
‘You can see the effort and the energy.’
![Burgess left embattled Souths under a dark cloud last year after an alleged dispute](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/21/02/83900297-13322141-image-a-81_1713662503677.jpg)
Burgess left embattled Souths under a dark cloud last year after an alleged dispute
![Souths coach Jason Demetriou (pictured) is feeling the heat this season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/21/02/83900291-13322141-image-a-82_1713662514529.jpg)
Souths coach Jason Demetriou (pictured) is feeling the heat this season
Captain Cameron Murray should return from a concussion for Souths’ next game against Melbourne on April 25, but Tyrone Munro (collarbone) and Tevita Tatola (foot) remain in serious doubt.
Demetriou said on Saturday night he expected to remain coach for the Anzac Day clash, despite a run that has brought just five wins in 19 games since his side topped the table last May.
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