Former England captain Sam Burgess began his Warrington head coach career in earnest ahead of the 2024 season. A legend as a player, this was his first top coaching job after his stint with South Sydney Rabbitohs. His side reached the Challenge Cup final in 2024, losing to Wigan, and again in 2025, losing to Hull KR. After missing the play-offs in 2025, Warrington finished third in 2026, setting up a Grand Final meeting with Wakefield, coached by Daryl Powell.
"Not really," Burgess replied when asked if reaching the final proved him right after 2025's disappointment. "I'm pretty satisfied to be here. I guess I'll find out how satisfied I am on Saturday at about eight o'clock."
This is Warrington's fifth Grand Final, following appearances in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018, all ending in defeat. Burgess credited a long-term plan for the turnaround: "I could see a lot of green shoots last year... we've been very consistent all year without jumping out at anyone."
"It's Warrington's year" has become a meme in rugby league, but Burgess believes past failures have shaped the team. "We've matured as a group and as a club," he said.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing