LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
As the NRL gears up to introduce both a Perth side and a Papua New Guinea (PNG) side in the coming years, the search for coaches for these new franchises is heating up.
Recently, discussions have emerged about potential candidates for these roles.
Notably, Sam Burgess, a legend of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has expressed interest in the coaching position.
According to reports from zerotackle.com and sourced from AAP, Burgess has significant backing for his candidacy from influential figures within the rugby league community.
This support highlights the momentum behind his bid for one of the two upcoming coaching vacancies.
Burgess, who previously won a premiership as a player, resigned from his assistant coach role at the Rabbitohs in 2023 and is currently the head coach of the Warrington Wolves in the Super League.
His contract is set to expire at the end of 2026, which aligns strategically with the anticipated addition of the Perth franchise to the NRL in 2027, or the PNG team's inauguration in 2028.
As discussions continue, Burgess's candidacy is certainly one to watch in the lead-up to the expansion of the league.