Sam Burgess has outlined an ambition to become an NRL head coach and revealed he has Wayne Bennett on “speed dial” to help him navigate through his rookie season with the clipboard.
Burgess became the first Englishman to be installed in the NRL’s Hall of Fame and made the trip from the UK to attend the formal induction ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday night. The former South Sydney forward also accepted the honour on behalf of Bennett after the veteran mentor was absent due to “personal reasons”.
“I was actually really, really chuffed, it’s not often I get that feeling,” Burgess said of his induction.
“When I came 15 years ago I came to try and leave a mark as an Englishman. So maybe this is a bit of recognition for that as well.”
Burgess has enjoyed a strong start to his head-coaching career, guiding Warrington to a share of top spot on the Super League ladder. The early success prompted the Clive Churchill medallist to extend his contract until the end of 2026, timing that could allow him to return to work with, and potentially succeed, Bennett.
Burgess said he was enjoying plying his trade away from the NRL spotlight, but would one day return.
Sam Burgess poses in his Hall of Fame blazer.Credit: Getty Images
“That’s why I started [coaching], that’s what I wanted to do at the beginning,” he said. “Things change, we’re really enjoying our time in England. I’m in no rush, I’m enjoying England. I’m enjoying the freedom of England.
“I landed in Sydney Airport at 11 o’clock on Monday night. I was collecting my bags at the carousel and within 30 seconds, I had something I’ve not experienced for 10 months in the UK; a bit of carry on, people poking you and trying to stir you up.
“I’m like, ‘Well, I know I’m back in Australia’. I enjoy England for that reason.”
Despite the distance between them, Burgess continues to lean on Dolphins coach Bennett for advice.
“He’s awesome, I almost have him on speed dial at times,” he said. “If I have an issue or something or there’s something I just can’t quite get my head around.
“He always got a good ear to lean on, always got a great counsel. He’s a good guy to have in your corner.”
Burgess left South Sydney in controversial circumstances, frustrated that former coach Jason Demetriou wasn’t able to rein in star players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker. While backing the incoming Bennett to get the club heading in the right direction, the cross-code star was circumspect when asked about the Rabbitohs’ current plight.
“I’m not getting drawn into that,” he said. “It’s been tough to watch, hasn’t it? Some of it was tough to watch at the start of the year. They’ve played with great spirit at the back end. I have a lot of great friends there, so I want to see them do better.”
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