LACHLAN FITZGIBBON has given the nod of approval to Sam Burgess, despite his stay at Warrington Wolves being cut short by a year.
Fitzgibbon joined the Cheshire club ahead of the 2024 Super League season from Newcastle Knights, and went on to register 42 appearances in primrose and blue.
However, the 32-year-old left Warrington at the end of the last campaign with still a year left on his deal.
Though Fitzgibbon cut short his stay in the UK, it’s fair to say that Burgess left quite an imprint on the back-rower, and he has backed Burgess to pick up an NRL coaching role in the near future.
“Sam is inspirational,” Fitzgibbon told the Newcastle Herald.
“A lot of people say he is a leader of men. The two years I had with him were two of my best years. He is a great coach. I see him as an NRL coach one day, sooner rather than later.
“They have another opportunity to do well this year, and I’ll be watching from afar.”
Fitzgibbon also reflected upon his time at Warrington as a whole.
“I got to play in two Challenge Cup finals, which was massive. Two losses, which wasn’t great, but nonetheless two Challenge Cup finals playing at Wembley. It was awesome. And we got to travel the world.
“Reflecting on my 12, 13 years of professional footy, I couldn’t really ask for anything much more.
“I have no regrets about leaving, going overseas. I never wanted to leave the Knights.
“I’m proud of my career, and now it’s just time to still play tough footy, but not in a professional environment.”