WARRINGTON Wolves’ 2024 head coach Sam Burgess has been released from his role at South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The England legend was due to see out his contract as an assistant coach at the Bunnies until the end of the NRL season and then take over the reins at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on a two-year deal.

But speculation that emerged in the Australian media yesterday that Burgess could exit Souths this week has now been confirmed.

It leaves the 34-year-old free to focus on his move to The Wire and pressing personal matters.

A Souths statement reads: “The South Sydney Rabbitohs have agreed with Sam Burgess today that he will be released from his assistant coaching duties for the remainder of the season to allow him to concentrate on his forthcoming role with the Warrington Wolves and the impending birth of his child.

"The South Sydney Rabbitohs thank Sam for his valuable contribution to the Club as assistant coach and join with all Rabbitohs Members and supporters in wishing him every success at Warrington.

"We also wish him and partner Lucy all the best with the birth of their child in the coming weeks."

Burgess said: "I've made the decision to step away from South Sydney, given the circumstances.

"My immediate focus is the upcoming birth of our baby and preparing for my new role at Warrington."

There had been suggestions that Burgess, along with another Rabbitohs assistant coach, John Morris, had disagreed with some of the man-management from head coach Jason Demetriou with members of the playing squad.

Demetriou said in a Souths press conference following the statement: "Coaches have differences at times, that's why we have assistant coaches so we have different voices.

"But at no time did I feel there was anything going on untoward and Sam's made the decision.

"I didn't want Sam out of the club, but it is what it is, his decision's been made.

"I wish him well. I think Sam's going to be a great coach in Warrington and there's no doubt he'll be back here one day. I wish him, Lucy, his family well. We move on and get ready to play next week."

South Sydney chief executive Blake Solley added: "What we wanted to do for Sam was put in a career plan.

"So we had discussions about his career. Sam felt it was in his best interests to go to Warrington and further his career.

"We accepted that and acknowledged that.

"Sam will always be welcome at this club. His deeds on the field speak for themselves and his contribution as an assistant coach on and off the field over the last couple of years speak for themselves.

"He's getting more and more involved in retention and recruitment at Warrington, he's looking at video, he's speaking tom players there at the moment to finish their season as strongly as possible to set up a good year next year.

"Sam's got a fair bit on at the moment. His partner Lucy is about to give birth in the next few weeks and he's getting more and more involved in terms of preparing for the head coach role at Warrington.

"So they're the two major reasosn why Sam and the club agreed it was in everyone's best interest that he is allowed to focus on those two things."