Quote: Lord Tony Smith "It's behind a paywall, that. Can anyone post the full article on here.'"
Q: When and how did the idea of Sam Burgess being a potential candidate arise?
SM: We have built a good relationship with Sam over the years.
Soon after the head coach vacancy was in the public domain, Sam contacted us and put himself forward.
We had an open mind and were prepared to consider all options at the early stage, but Sam easily made the short list.
You will be aware that initially, we went for Justin Holbrook – he agreed but had a change of heart due to his family not wanting to uproot.
We did have interest from established and experienced coaches both here and abroad – we have tried that and didn’t achieve the desired success. We wanted to try something different.
Coaches of the future must start somewhere and will have more determination to succeed without complacency.
We are united in the belief that Sam is the right man for the job.
Q: Having no doubt met with him and discussed things at length, what struck you about him and made you think he was the right man for the job?
SM: The biggest thing was his determination to succeed as a head coach.
He’s had great success as a player in Super League, the NRL and for his country. This is the next chapter of his life – he clearly wants the same success in the role of head coach.
He will make sure anyone that dons the primrose and blue will give nothing less than 100 per cent.
Interestingly, amongst others, Matty Johns is tipping Sam to be a successful head coach in Australia in the future.
Q: Sam was clearly a strong leader of men as a player and an inspirational figure on the pitch – do you see him as someone players will want to follow, and perhaps a man whose standing could attract new recruits to the club who may have otherwise gone elsewhere?
SM: Our enquiries indicated he is well respected both in the UK and overseas.
He as an aura about him. It is clear to see he is a natural leader and motivational.
He is very much about teamwork – players will look up to him and want to play for him. I firmly believe he will attract the best talent to our club.
Additionally, I was impressed with Sam’s humility, empathy and his ability to connect with people.
Q: It’s been confirmed he will be working with a director of rugby in Gary Chambers next season – why do you think that is the right approach?
SM: Sam is a young coach with only three years’ experience.
Although he is ready and capable for the step up to head coach, we felt it important to have a good support network around him.
As part of our review, the strategy was always to bring in a director of rugby to help with recruitment, be a good sounding board and to challenge when necessary.
I couldn’t think of anyone better than Gary – he is Warrington through and through.
The youth system, which is more important than ever, will still be overseen by Gary alongside Richard Marshall – another assistant coach will be announced in due course.
Q: This will be Sam’s first ever head coaching position at a club where expectations are very high. He is also somebody who has gone through some well-documented off-field struggles in Australia.
When all of that is considered, there will be plenty who see it as a huge gamble – is it?
SM: We have had open and honest conversations with Sam.
The past is the past – I am confident he is a more balanced, mature and level-headed person who knows where to draw the line and the discipline needed to be the boss.
Q: It means Gary Chambers will remain in charge for the rest of the season – what have you seen/heard in the time he has had with the group to affirm that you needn ’t bring somebody in immediately?
SM: Sam is fully committed to seeing out his current role with the Rabbitohs, which is highly commendable.
We will be having regular dialogue in the interim, where he will contribute and be involved in decisions.
We are confident Gary will do a good caretaker role for the remainder of the season. In such a short time, it is clear to see that Gary has fitted in to the role with ease.
He’s gained the respect of the playing group – they are playing with more intensity and commitment which was evident in the Catalan game.
A strong disciplinarian, he’s not afraid to have honest and open conversations and say it like it is.
His rugby knowledge is excellent – he will deliver a credible game plan that suits the playing group.
We intend to bring in temporary support to assist him in specialised areas as early as this week.
