NRL coach tipped to be of interest to Warrington Wolves following Justin Holbrook decision

NRL assistant John Morris has been tipped to be of interest to Warrington Wolves in their search for a new head coach.

Renowned journalist ‘The Mole’ believes the current South Sydney Rabbitohs assistant coach could be on Warrington’s radar following Justin Holbrook’s decision to remain in the NRL.

The 2019 Super League winning coach has penned a three-year deal with Sydney Roosters from 2024 as an assistant coach under Trent Robinson.

The 47-year-old admits he was close to agreeing a move back to Warrington with the Halliwell Jones Stadium outfit before opting to remain in Australia, citing that a return to England ‘wasn’t right’ for his family.

Holbrook returned Down Under at the end of the 2019 season as the head coach of Gold Coast Titans.

He was sacked from his position earlier this year due to results, with the side outside the top eight on the NRL ladder.

Don't be surprised if @WarringtonRLFC look to John Morris ex-Sharks to take over the coaching role now…

— The Mole (@9_Moley) August 3, 2023

John Morris tipped to be on Warrington’s radar

Morris, 43, has previous head coaching experience with Cronulla Sharks and has been priced at 9/1 to take the vacant role with Super League’s sponsors Betfred.

Speaking with BBC Merseyside, Warrington chairman Stuart Middleton said the club have their own target list, with calls of interest from both sides of the globe.

“We’ve had some phone calls already, especially overseas as well,” Middleton told Phil Kinsella.

“We’ve got some options there and that might happen in the next couple of weeks, it might happen next month.

“We have put together a target list and no doubt we’ll be getting some enquiries now as well, which we have done.

“If we have to go to Australia, then that’s what we’ll do, we’ll jump on a plane and get out there and we’re going to do it right.”

Morris was appointed assistant to Jason Demetriou ahead of 2022 on a two-year contract. He boasted two finals appearances from as many seasons in charge of the Sharks.

Sam Burgess to Warrington Wolves?

Reports in Australia have also linked England and NRL legend Sam Burgess to the position, named new favourite by the bookmakers to land the role.

Burgess, 34, is reportedly being considered by the board at the HJS, according to Code Sports.

The former loose forward has previously made it known his desire of landing a head coaching role one day, speaking with The Times and Ross Heppenstall.

He is also currently working as an assistant at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, having retired in 2019 following 182 NRL appearances.

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