Sam Burgess snubbed by rival Super League coaches after missing award shortlist

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Sam Burgess has been snubbed by his peers after being left off the shortlist for Super League coach of the year. The Warrington Wolves coach, who has enjoyed an impressive first season has not made a four-person shortlist for the award, with the coach of the competition's bottom side receiving more votes than the England great.

Burgess guided Warrington to the Challenge Cup Final earlier this year and the Wire have reached the play-off semi-finals after a third-place finish, their best return in three years.

Despite that, Burgess has not received enough votes to be in contention, with London Broncos coach Mike Eccles being named on the shortlist ahead of him alongside Wigan Warriors' Matt Peet, Hull KR's Willier Peters and the Salford Red Devils head coach, Paul Rowley.

Peet has already won three trophies this year while Peters has guided Rovers to their best-ever Super League finish. Rowley's Salford have overcome the odds to finish fourth.

As for London, they were expected to finish bottom of Super League after an unexpected promotion and while they did ultimately finish bottom, it was only due to an inferior points difference to Hull FC.

That said, Eccles' selection ahead of Burgess - London only won three games all season, is certainly a surprise. The shortlist is determined by a poll of the twelve Super League head coaches.

The winner will be named at Rugby League's Awards Night on October 8th at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

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