Warrington Wolves utility halfback Stefan Ratchford has equalled the world record and set a new Super League record for the most consecutive successful conversions.
The 35 year-old is showing no signs of slowing down with age, after being drafted into Sam Burgess’ 17-man squad for Sunday’s trip to London Broncos.
Warrington ran in 10 tries in a 4-58 demolition of the London club, and Ratchford was awarded player of the match after a stunning performance.
Scoring a try and assisting two others, Ratchford went on to convert all but one of his attempts at goal, perhaps missing the easiest of the lot.
With a mixture of kicks from the side line and in front of the posts, his first seven successful conversions were enough to break the Super League record that was previously held by Leeds Rhinos’ Rhyse Martin(39).
His eighth successful goal kick of the day took his total tally to 41, equalling the world record set by Rhyse Martin, Liam Finn and Jamie Ellis. However, with a new record in sight he sliced his next attempt wide of the posts, keeping that world record intact.
There’s now four players stuck on 41, but Ratchford will be hunting that mammoth tally once again after converting his final attempt of the day.
After the game Ratchford was congratulated and commiserated when asked how he felt after such an agonising attempt at the world record. He responded:
“Definitely a mixture of that. Obviously I’m delighted with what I had done previously, but I think with that last kick I kind of got inside my own head and the technique just went out the window.
“It was like one of my golf shots, a nice old shank to not break the record. But overall it was a good afternoon.”
Ratchford has lacked game time so far this season, but his performance on Sunday and his continuously excellent kicking ability shows that his motivation is higher than ever. He went onto say:
“I’ve had to bide my time and I’m one of those players that will just do what they’re asked when the time comes.
“We’ve got a quality squad here and you can only pick 17 for each game. The lads who don’t play every week are right behind the 17 that do.
“We’ve just got to be ready to perform when the time comes and hopefully my performance has given Sam a few headaches.”
Warrington host London again this weekend in the Challenge Cup where Ratchford will be hopeful he can get more game time, and continue his impressive form with the boot.
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Super League winners Wigan Warriors host the NRL champions Penrith Panthers on Saturday night, as two worlds collide in the 2024 World Club Challenge.
The History
A fixture that is steeped in history will once again be contested in England, after last year’s edition went down under. 2020 was the last time an Australian side travelled to the UK for a game.
The first competitive outing of this competition was held back in 1989, and just two years later it was Wigan and Penrith that met at Anfield stadium in the second edition. That particular game was won by Wigan, who would go on to win two more in the following 33 years. Penrith have featured in another two games since then, but are yet to come away with a victory.
This year has a particularly interesting storyline, as each country has 13 competitive titles. Therefore, Saturday’s winner will propel one country into the lead again.
Wigan Warriors celebrate winning the 2017 World Club Challenge
The Clubs
There’s no shortage of motivation for either side. Penrith’s current squad are widely considered as one of the greatest ever rugby league sides, having won a hattrick of premierships over the past three years, the first ever club to do that in the NRL era.
The Western Sydney side are looking to right some wrongs, they were defeated in their own back yard by St Helens last year, and are yet to put their name on this trophy. After such a dominant run in Australia the Panthers simply need to win this title.
Wigan dethroned their rivals St Helens last year, and will be desperate to cement themselves as the best side in English rugby by following in the footsteps of their neighbours.
The 2023 World Club Challenge trophy
The Game
Early advantages lie with the Warriors. The players are more adjusted to the climate, and are also up to speed with match fitness. Penrith are yet to play a competitive game in 2024, whereas Wigan played their opening Super League game last weekend.
Penrith have also had to travel 17,000 Kilometres, and are without their star man Jarome Luai. Hosts Wigan will have a capacity crowd of around 24,000 cheering them on, but will miss a couple of key men, with new signings Luke Thompson and Sam Walters set to miss out on the clash.
Wigan will look towards their flash players for creativity, Bevan French and Jai Field. Although they will rely on the steady hands of Harry Smith to control the tempo of the game. Smith’s opposite number Nathan Cleary is touted as the best player in the world, so the academy product is up for a very tough night.
Nathan Cleary posing with the 2023 NRL trophy
The Coaches
Wigan’s head coach Matt Peet has heaped praise on Penrith, and said he hopes to come up against the best of them:
“I think both teams want to come up against the best of each other.
“I want to put on record what Penrith have done committing to this competition over the past two seasons, it is testament to them.
“The English teams crave this fixture, but it’s big for them to commit to coming over here so I think it’s obvious for what their organisation stands for.”
The World Club Challenge has largely been played every year, but each time it’s up in doubt as both clubs have to agree when and where it will take place, with it being a huge commitment for one.
Like Peet, Penrith’s boss Ivan Cleary was excited for the fixture, saying he’s glad that it’s back where it belongs:
“We’re really stoked to be here and to be part of this occasion. You don’t get invited to this fixture you have to earn it, and it’s so hard to win a Championship. Both of us have earned this right.
“The World Club Challenge went quiet for a few years due to Covid. I think it’s back in its rightful place and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Liam Farrell, Matt Peet, Ivan Cleary and Isaah Yeo at the World Club Challenge Press Conference
Photo Credit – Adam Clarke
The Squads
Peet has made just the one change to his 21-man squad that kicked off the Super League campaign last weekend, with Tiaki Chan replacing Luke Thompson.
The only noticeable absentee from Penrith’s 21-man squad is of course Jarome Luai, with youngster Jack Cole stepping into the number six shirt.
https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/02/22/wigan-squad-for-penrith/
https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/news/2024/02/22/nrl-teamlist-world-club-challenge/
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Following a disruptive week both on and off the field for Leigh. They were left beaten 16-8 at the hands of Ian Watson’s Huddersfield Giants in Round 1 of the 2024 Betfred Super League season.
After the signing of new recruit Matt Moylan from NRL side Cronulla Sharks in which the stand off spent five years. There was a lot of excitement heading into the season with the potential of Moylan and Lachlan Lam being one of if not the best halves partnership in the league.
Unfortunately for Leythers fans, the partnership did not ‘click’ as they would’ve expected, with the attacking plays looking very chaotic and rushed. There was one sign of magic from the boot of Moylan, whose neat kick into the in-goal found the onrushing Josh Charnley who was first to pounce on the loose ball to score, having fallen behind to a Esan Marsters try. But that was as good as it got for Adrian Lam’s side in the first half as things went from bad to worse.
Edwin Ipape was forced off after 20 minutes which has now been confirmed as an injury that could keep him out from 5-12 weeks, a huge loss for Leigh at the start of the season, considering how good the hooker was last year. Moylan was then forced off for a HIA putting him in doubt for the rest of the match, but thankfully he did reappear for the second half. To compile the misery further, John Asiata found himself in the sin bin for a professional foul on Adam Swift. Just moments later Huddersfield took full advantage with Adam Milner wrestling his way over next to the uprights.
Heading into the second half Leigh appeared to have been reenergised, with Lam’s half time team talking ringing in their ears. However, it was very much more of the same in attack. Excellent field position thanks to a misplaced kick from Jake Connor handed the hosts possession 20 metres out but yet again a handling error halted any threat to the Giants line.
The side from Yorkshire dug deep in defence and provided Leigh with very little opportunities, but it was clear to see the lack of creativity in attack. Having kept Leigh at bay, Huddersfield were able to mount some pressure of their own with a lovely flowing move down the right hand side seeing Elliot Wallis dive in at the corner.
The Leythers did finally break down a stubborn Giants team with 7 minutes remaining, providing Zak Hardaker an opportunity to reduce the deficit to 6 points, but his conversion went agonisingly wide to give Ian Watsons side the perfect start to the season.
Leigh now have two weeks to prepare for a trip to St Helens due to their games against Wigan next week being postponed because of the Club World Challenge. Huddersfield themselves host Paul Wellens side next Saturday evening.
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Derek Beaumont’s Leigh Leopards look for more success after an excellent return to the top flight.
Coach
Adrian Lam
Key Player
John Asiata
2023 Results
League – 5th (32points)
Play-Offs – First Round
Challenge Cup – Winners
Arrivals
Lewis Baxter, Louis Brogan, Jack Darbyshire, Ben McNamara, Matt Moylan, Dan Norman, Kavan Rothwell, Owen Trout
Departures
Oliver Gildart, Joe Mellor, Ben Reynolds, Ava Seumanufagai, Joe Wardle
In 2023 the newly branded Leopards surpassed almost everyone’s expectations. In rugby league, it’s usually a tall order for newly promoted clubs to survive their first year in Super League. However, after regularly competing with the division’s top sides in the first few months, it was clear they weren’t in a relegation battle, but a play-off one.
After sealing their promotion, Leigh bulked up their squad with ambitious new signings that seemed to gel almost immediately. After a strong start they were even being touted for a title fight. Although their form may have dipped in the latter stages of the season, they came away with a fifth placed finish, and more than doubled their tally of all time Super League victories.
To add to that would’ve been a dream for their fans, and although it wasn’t meant to be in the play-offs, the Leopards’ faithful were rewarded with the historic Challenge Cup victory in August for just the third time in the clubs history. A 52 year wait for a major trophy was ended, and a new challenger in Super League was born.
Ahead of the new season, the Leopards have once again been active in the transfer market, with a whole host of new additions. Throughout a mixture of rising stars and experienced heads, the name that stands out is that of Matt Moylan.
Signed from Cronulla Sharks in the NRL, the Aussie halfback will partner Lachlan Lam in what is now a very exciting combination at six and seven. Throw in the names of John Asiata and Edwin Ipape and you have an excellent spine.
Loose Forward Asiata will be vital to a play-off challenge this season, his strong balls carries combined with his defensive numbers and attacking link up play make an almost perfect 13. He was the main man in 2023, and barring any injuries will dominate the forward line in 2024.
In the last few months their departures included the likes of Ben Reynolds, and Ava Seumanufagai, but it would seem as though all players that exited were replaced, if not improved upon. On paper, their squad only looks stronger, which is a scary thought to the clubs that will also be bidding for a play-off spot come September.
As for their early fixtures, the first couple of months look like a tall order, with trips to St Helens, Hull FC, local rivals Salford and Warrington in their first seven games. That’s before we mention having to host Leeds, Wigan and Catalan in that same time period.
However, their season gets underway on Friday night, when they host Huddersfield Giants in a game that coach Adrian Lam will surely be targeting as an early chance to get off the mark.
Replicating if not improving upon last year will be the target for Leigh in 2024, and in theory, any position from sixth and above would meet those goals and be a success. Club owner Beaumont will continue to look to drive the club forward, and nobody is ruling out even more success in 2024.
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Super League’s history makers St Helens look to reclaim their throne in 2024.
Coach
Paul Wellens
Key Player
Jack Welsby
2023 results
League – 3rd (40 points)
Play-Offs – Semi-Final
Challenge Cup – Semi-Final
Arrivals
Waqa Blake, Daryl Clark, Tee Ritson, Matt Whitley
Departures
Lewis Baxter, Wesley Bruines, Matty Foster, Dan Hill, Will Hopoate, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Daniel Moss, Dan Norman, Taylor Pemberton, Elliot Peposhi, James Roby, Jumah Sambou
2023 was bittersweet for the Saints. After years of dominance they reached the height of their powers through a brilliant World Club Challenge victory in Australia. However, their chokehold on English rugby league was grounded to a holt at the hands of their bitter rivals Wigan Warriors.
The task of getting back to the summit looks larger than it has for a while, as they must battle on without their general, club legend James Roby. After 20 years and 551 appearances, their captain and club legend retired at the end of last season.
Joining Roby in deciding to end their playing careers were Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Will Hopoate.
But life at the club must go on, and the gears have been well and truly in motion for a while, as head coach Paul Wellens looks to steer his ship back in the right direction.
Softening the blows of departures, it was soon announced that Daryl Clark will replace Roby at number nine, and their star halfback Jonny Lomax would be given the captains armband after signing a new deal with the club.
After four straight Super League titles, it was heartbreaking for St Helens to pass the baton over to their rivals, and in Wellens’ first season in charge it wasn’t a good look. The dominance had to end at some point, and it’s now all about how they react to the set back.
The Red V’s were pipped to league leaders shield and even to the top two last year by virtue of points difference, finishing third meant they had to play an extra game in the play-off run. The club were disappointed with their seven league losses, as it was the most they had experienced in a single season since 2017.
However, 2023 certainly wasn’t a failure. Alongside the World Club Challenge they came close to all three of the other trophies on offer, under an inexperienced manager. With a year as head coach under his belt, Wellens has freshened his team up with some smart additions, and made his pack look like a real force for the new season.
St Helens have only made four new signings, the lowest total in the league. However, everyone of them holds its own weight. Clark from Warrington to replace Roby is excellent business, he fits the model and also weakens a rival.
Furthermore, the additions of Matt Whitley from Catalans and Waqa Blake from Parramatta Eels both look like being absolute steals.
And finally after an excellent campaign last year, Tee Ritson made his move to the club permanent, adding to the strength in depth on the outside edges.
The biggest piece of transfer business was securing a new deal for their star man Jack Welsby, who was receiving heavy interest of the NRL. The talented youngster has instead dedicated his close future to helping his boyhood club continue its success.
Looking ahead to the early months of the season, the Saints have been given a favourable draw on paper, hosting newly promoted London Broncos on opening weekend, before trips to Huddersfield and Leeds sandwich games against Leigh and Salford at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Wellens will hope to have maximum points on the board before his side host rivals and champions Wigan Warriors at the end of March, where we could see the first real twist in an exciting 2024 title race.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Salford prepare for life in Super League with a shaken up squad.
Coach
Paul Rowley
Key Player
Ryan Brierley
2023 Results
League – 7th (26points)
Challenge Cup – Quarter-Finals
Arrivals
Cade Cust, Matty Foster, Chris Hankinson, Nene Macdonald, Joe Mellor, Kai Morgan, Ethan Ryan, Joe Shorrocks
Departures
Andy Ackers, Joe Burgess, Jorge Cabral, Matty Costello, Brodie Croft, Alex Gerrard, James Greenwood, Ken Sio, Rhys Williams
It’s been a Winter of change at Salford. Coach Paul Rowley has arguably been through more than any of the other 11 managers in the off-season, losing a number of his key men that would’ve come as a huge shock.
Names like Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers were tied down to long term contracts, but were granted release to play elsewhere. Salford often known as the ‘selling club’, have made it abundantly clear in the past that they don’t want any players that aren’t fully committed to the club.
Whilst they have bounced back from experiences like this in the past, it feels like the core spine of their squad has been ripped out. Alongside the loses of Croft and Ackers, they also said farewell to their two star wingers, Joe Burgess and Ken Sio. Begging the question, where are the tries going to come from in 2024?
Well, as usual the club have made some smart additions, with eight players coming through the door this Winter. Ex Manley Sea Eagle and Wigan Warrior halfback Cade Cust has been drafted in to replace Croft. After a difficult 2023 campaign, the Aussie will be looking to replicate his predecessors in controlling offensive play.
Joining Cust is some great talent, Nene Macdonald and Ethan Ryan were poached to strengthen the Red Devils’ edges, whilst Joe Mellor and Joe Shorrocks both seem like excellent business. It’s clear that the new model at Salford is to sign versatile players that can cover a number of positions on the pitch.
Last season the club narrowly missed out on the play-offs, and although the argument could be made that their squad hasn’t improved, the top six will surely be the goal. They have a smart gaffer who gets the maximum out of his players, and his squad is full of players with raw potential.
In 2023 we saw the absolute best of Ryan Brierley. His off the cuff playstyle can bamboozle defences, and his connection with the halves and wingers will be a big factor this season, in what should be a long race for the play-offs.
As for the early fixtures the Red Devils have a mixed bag in the opening couple of months. They start the season with a trip to Leeds, before hosting Castleford and Hull KR where they have a good chance of getting points on the board. They then play St Helens, Wigan and rivals Leigh in quick succession.
It will be interesting to see where they stand come the end of March, but if anyone can pull a rabbit out of a hat, it’s Paul Rowley.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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The 2024 Betfred Super League season kicks off with a blockbuster Hull derby on Thursday night.
It’s not often we get to see such a fixture on opening weekend, but viewer retention will be at its peak right from the off in 2024 – when two fierce rivals take centre stage. The Super League is set to have its highest opening night’s attendance for over 17 years.
That’s right, Hull Kingston Rovers make the short trip across the city to the MKM stadium, home of Hull FC. Just six miles separate the two clubs, and in that distance family homes are divided, streets are painted black and white or red and white in a city that lives and breathes rugby league.
The two sides have been going hammer and tongs since 1899, and nothing will change in this, their 244th meeting.
Never mind the fact that this games a derby, it’s also the opening fixture in the opening round, so there’s no formbook to go off. As usual in these sorts of fixtures, it will come down to passion, grit and determination.
However, it does always help to have the better performing squad, so who comes out on top?
Last season Rovers finished 4th, a whole 12 points ahead of their neighbours in 10th. KR also reached the play-off semi-final and the Challenge Cup final, in what was a successful season.
Compiling the misery on a poor season for FC, in this exact fixture last year they were hammered 40-0. However, in the second meeting they did prevail at Craven Park, resulting in the head-to-head honours being shared.
This year the two sides will have three chances in the league to topple the other, both will be desperate to start the season well, and claim bragging rights for all of a month until they go again.
Both clubs have had very busy Winters, with nine players through the door at FC, and 10 at KR.
For the Black and Whites, seven of those new faces have been named by coach Tony Smith in the early 21-man squad. Jack Walker is ready for his second stint at the club, whilst all four of their oversea arrivals will be looking to make an impact from the off.
Enforcers Herman Ese’ese and Franklin Pele bulk up the middle pack, Jayden Okunbor will provide height and speed on the edges, and Fa’amanu Brown will debut in the halves, filling the boots of Jake Clifford.
As for the Robins’ 21-man squad, coach Willie Peters is in line to hand seven players their debuts.
They’ve completed some outstanding business, including the likes four proven professionals in Super League, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Tyrone May and Niall Evalds. However, their stand-out buy was Peta Hiku, a man who can play almost any role across the back line, and who is sure to have a huge impact in 2024.
Full 21-man squads:
Number Order
Hull FC –
Tex Hoy, Liam Sutcliffe, Darnell McIntosh, Fa’amanu Brown, Herman Ese’ese, Danny Houghton, Franklin Pele, Jayden Okunbor, Ligi Sao, Joe Cator, Jordan Lane, Jack Ashworth, Cam Scott, Morgan Smith, Jack Brown, Will Gardiner, Davy Litten, Nick Staveley, Lewis Martin, Zach Jebson, Jack Walker.
Hull KR –
Peta Hiku, Niall Evalds, Tom Opacic, Oliver Gildart, Ryan Hall, Mikey Lewis, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, George King, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella, Matt Parcell, Jai Whitbread, Yusuf Aydin, Kelepi Tanginoa, Corey Hall, Tyrone May, Louix Gorman, Leo Tennison, Joe Bugress.
With both squads in the tension continues to build towards the opening night of Super League, and we’re set for a brilliant start to the campaign.
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With just a day to go until the season gets underway, the Prost RL team have predicted what the table will look like after the final games of the 2024 campaign.
Last year our team’s solo predictions didn’t go too well, such is the competitiveness of Super League. So this year we have combined our brains to create a joint table, a Grand Final and a Challenge Cup winner.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at what we came up with.
- Wigan Warriors
- St Helens
- Catalans Dragons
- Leeds Rhinos
- Warrington Wolves
- Hull KR
- Leigh Leopards
- Hull FC
- Salford Red Devils
- Huddersfield Giants
- Castleford Tigers
- London Broncos
Play off final – Wigan Warriors vs St Helens
Challenge Cup final – St Helens vs Warrington Wolves
Predicted winners are the sides in BOLD.
The top two was pretty simple for us. Looking at the squads we think Wigan and Saints have more quality than the rest. We opted for Wigan as league leaders and play-off winners due to their consistency.
St Helens have lost two club legends and although they have been replaced, we feel it will take some time for their new era to kickstart. It was pretty basic to have the top two in the play-off final but we can’t see it any other way, the two sides look like a formidable task for everyone else in 2024.
We filled out the play-off spots with Catalans, Leeds, Warrington and Hull KR. Based off what we saw on the pitch last year and what’s happened over Winter, we think these are the four best shouts.
We think Catalans will fall from the top two after the loss of Sam Tomkins, and the heartbreak of coming so close last year. We’ve backed Leeds to take giant steps in the right direction after seeing some of their transfer business, most noticeably Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers.
Next we have Warrington and Hull KR to squeeze into the play-offs, both pretty stable predictions from what we saw last year. Both clubs have made some solid signings and we back them to stay in the top six.
In Warrington’s case, we think the Sam Burgess impact will be enough to take them to the Challenge Cup final. The England legend will be desperate for silverware in his first season, but we feel they don’t have the strength to beat Saints when they get there.
Just missing out on the play-offs we have Leigh and Hull FC. Hull we feel would see 8th position as steady progress from last seasons 10th. It’s not groundbreaking but we don’t think their Winter business will be enough to propel them into the play-offs.
For Leigh on the other hand, we’ve predicted to take a small step backwards, which is a bold shout after they surprised the rugby world last year. However, with the squads around them improving heavily we think the play-offs are just out of reach, and a 7th placed finish and a strong challenge would still be a success.
In 9th and 10th places we have Salford and Huddersfield. We think they will both steadily pick up points here and there throughout the season, sometimes winning games they’re not expected to. Nevertheless, we don’t see them mounting any lasting challenge to the top six, but we do think they will both be comfortably clear of any sort of relegation battle.
Castleford are also one of the sides we think will struggle to pick up points in 2024. So much so that they could be dragged into a long relegation battle with London, and end up finishing a couple of points ahead in 11th. We don’t see enough in their recruitment to indicate any sort of improvement from last year.
Finally, in the position no club wants we have the Broncos. The newly promoted side will be hoping to somewhat replicate Leigh’s tremendous return season, however, we have taken the easy prediction of putting them last.
It’s well known that promoted clubs struggle in this league, and we see it being no different for London. Whilst they have made some smart additions, we don’t think it’s enough to mount a real challenge. They will pick up points here and there, but ultimately finish 12th, rounding off the division.
Let us know what you think of our predictions, and what you would change.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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New signings brave the tough winter conditions and settle into life in Warrington.
Pre-season training has been under-way for a few weeks now, but how do the cold winter conditions in England compare to those summer training camps in Australia?
Two of Warrington’s latest oversea arrivals have both struggled waking up in the morning to find their cars frozen over. Normal in this country, but somewhat surprising to some.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon has joined the club after a nine year stint at Newcastle Knights. The drastic differences in pre-seasons will surely be tough on his body, he told Prost International:
“I’ve been here a few weeks now, we’re training hard but its been good. I’m a step back from the full contact at the moment but I’ve been recovering well and I’ll be full noise come Christmas time.
“I went to get in my car and it was just iced over, I’ve got no scraper so I just sat with the fans on waiting for about 10 minutes.”
Fitzgibbon’s nine years at the Knights saw him make 119 appearances, and score 32 try’s. He’s seen as a top signing for Warrington by many, and he believes that this was a perfect time to commit to a new challenge:
“I’ve never seen myself playing for another club in the NRL and Super League has always been on my radar, when I signed last year Wire were doing really well.
“This sport works in little windows and me and my partner felt this was the perfect time to head overseas and accept and new challenge and I’m super pumped to be here.
“Warrington’s a great town with rich history and it reminds me a bit of Newcastle, it’s a one club, one team town, and that’s made the move even easier.”
Zane Musgrove put pen to paper with the Wolves after his short-term contract expired in Australia. He’s also never spent a long period of time in the UK, but told Prost International that he was enjoying his experience:
“We’re training hard but I’m enjoying it.
“Waking up with frost on my car for the first time I didn’t know what to do, I was panicking a little bit but I’ll get used to it, and training in track suits has been good.
“I had a long layoff so I’ve been itching to get back into, I was sat at home twiddling my thumbs so I’m just happy to be back.”
Warrington lacked strength in depth with their forward line in 2023, so Musgrove and Fitzgibbon have been brought in to bolster the pack. They do however, have big shoes to follow.
Wire’s Paul Vaughan had an exceptional debut season in primrose and blue, scoring six try’s and racking up a mammoth 3301 metres gained. Musgrove went on to say:
“Vaughany had a really good year and hats off to him, he’s such a fierce leader, I can’t wait to take to the field with him.
“I want to be a dominate forward in the game just like Vaughany, I want to show leadership towards the younger boys in the team and just get my job done.
“Everything I’m hearing about the club is positive. We’ve got a good team and I think that’s going to bring the best out of me.”
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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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.”
https://x.com/WarringtonRLFC/status/1723075568793538890?s=20
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.
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.
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