England legend Sam Burgess proves to be the big pull for Wire’s new signings

Sam Powell, Zane Musgrove and Lachlan Fitzgibbon admit a big pull in their decisions to sign for Wire was the prospect of playing under a rugby league great.

Warrington Wolves’ new recruits all share an admiration for the new boss in town, but will his coaching career run just as smoothly as his playing one?

His new chapter has gotten off to a fantastic start, with big name players from around the world wanting to link up with him at his new club Warrington.

Wire’s most recent signing Powell spent over a decade with Wigan Warriors, but snapped up the chance to work with Burgess after just one phone call, telling Prost International:

“I wasn’t going to make any decisions on my career until the season was up. There were a couple of clubs interested, then Sam gave me a call and as soon as I spoke to him I wanted it to happen, and here we are, a week later it did.

“They’ve a quality squad here and I just wanted to be around it. But I’m really excited to have the chance to work under Sam.”

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Burgess started his career with Bradford Bulls in Super League, before heading over to Australia where he had a decorated career. He made 182 appearances in the NRL, and helped bring South Sydney Rabbitoes there first Premiership in 43 years.

He also represented Great Britain and England at international level, and has been an inspiration to all forwards in the game.

Another new Warrington recruit plays in a similar position and style to that of Burgess. Musgrove was also teammates with his new boss in the NRL, he said:

“I didn’t know Sam was going to go into coaching but he’s definitely got the characteristics. What he demanded as a player will certainly transition into a coach.

“Under Sammy I’ve come over here for a reason and that’s to win, I think he can get the best out of me and that’s ultimately why I chose to come over here and sign for Warrington.

“The boys respect him and that’s what you want from a coach, he knows when to have a laugh but then when to switch it on and be serious. This was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, Sammy was a big pull and I want to help bring success to this club.”

Fitzgibbon played for Newcastle Knights in the NRL for nine years, squaring off with Burgess on multiple occasions. However, the Australian forward had actually signed for Warrington when their previous coach was still at the helm.

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Nevertheless, he seemed rather pleased with the way things turned out in the end, telling Prost International:

“It was unfortunate the way it ended with Daryl but with Sam coming on board it made me even more keen to start my journey over here.

“Sam was kind of the player that everyone aspired to be like, I got the honour of playing him a few times when he was at the bunnies. It’s funny that he’s now my coach but the first four weeks working under him have been great.

“He’s an inspirational leader and coach and I’m sure he’ll be successful over here.”

The Warrington squad have certainly responded well to Burgess coming in, but will the playing experience, praise and hype transform into results on the pitch in 2024? We’ll have to wait and see.