WARRINGTON Wolves’ academy players are about to return from their tour to Australia no doubt enriched by an incredible experience.

And by the time his work as the club’s head coach is done, Sam Burgess wants to see plenty of them having made the jump to the first team.

After three weeks Down Under, the Wire youngsters are back in the country and it will be a mainly youthful group that starts to report for pre-season training from today onwards with more established first-teamers reporting back next week.

Burgess visited the players while still in Sydney and he says a big part of his job is making sure plenty of them make the transition into being Super League players.

“We’ve got some really good juniors and exciting young kids here,” he said.

“Although my job is to win with the first team, it’s also to progress some of those guys into the first team and give them some guidance on that.

“I think I’ll have some good knowledge and tips for them.

“It will be lovely to blood a few debutants and some local boys. I’m excited to see what they can do over the next two years.”

Another important part of his role will no doubt be to connect with the community he and his team are representing – something he has also made a priority.

Burgess, his partner Lucy and their newborn baby daughter Robbie arrived in the country a fortnight ago and are in the midst of settling into their new surroundings.

And as they do so, the head coach insisted strengthening the bond with the people around them remains of vital importance.

“I walked around Lymm Dam on Saturday morning and it’s different to walking down the coast in Australia,” he joked.

“It’s difficult leaving in some respects but I’m super excited about the opportunity here. The pros outweigh the cons.

“Connection with the community is a massive part of this club’s make-up, and that will be no different while I’m here.

“It brings a huge benefit not just for the players but for everyone involved.

“That will be a huge part of our off-season – growing those relationships that are already in place and taking them through the year.”