Home

Burgess unlikely to return to South Sydney

George ClarkeAAP
Stood-down assistant South Sydney coach Sam Burgess is unlikely to return to the club anytime soon.
Camera IconStood-down assistant South Sydney coach Sam Burgess is unlikely to return to the club anytime soon. Credit: AAP

Sam Burgess is unlikely to return to South Sydney in the immediate future after revealing he has been approached to take a spot on England's coaching staff for next year's World Cup.

Burgess has been sidelined since he was stood down as South Sydney assistant coach in October last year.

It came amid allegations the Rabbitohs had covered up substance abuse and violence surrounding the retired forward.

The NRL says its integrity unit is currently finalising its investigation after the conclusion of a NSW Police probe into the Rabbitohs' premiership-winning forward.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

NSW Police did not proceed with a prosecution saying the forward had no case to answer.

He also had a conviction for intimidating his father in law overturned on appeal.

The Game AFL 2024

But rather than returning to the club where he made his name, Burgess claimed he was happy cutting his teeth as a head coach with the Orara Valley Axemen in NSW Rugby League's Group 2 competition next year.

"I've yet to make a decision," he told AAP from the Jack Newton Classic in the Hunter Valley.

"At the moment I'm happy where I am. I think I'll learn a lot more doing what I'm doing at the moment.

"I do have an ambition to be back there. I've just got to take my time, learn my trade and have some fun. I've got no real path just yet."

Burgess will relocate to the region to take up the coaching position and will travel back to Sydney to see his children.

At an elite level, the 33-year-old said he had been in dialogue to link up with Shaun Wane's England squad for next year's World Cup.

"I've got an interest to coach with England," he said.

"I'm good friends with Shaun and he's interested in having me around for the end of the year to do some of the defence stuff.

"It would be a good start, being on the England staff would be interesting because it's not a year-long thing."

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails