Sam Burgess is a top candidate for Perth Bears' inaugural coach, potentially attracting international talent.
Sam Burgess has emerged as one of the frontrunners to be named inaugural coach of the Perth Bears and the Englishman's connections would leave him ideally placed to deliver an international marquee star for the NRL's newest franchise. League bosses and the West Australian government confirmed this week that the Perth-based side would become the NRL's 18th team - set to enter the competition one year before Papua New Guinea's admission in 2028.
Former Eels coach Brad Arthur has been touted as the favourite to become the Bears' inaugural coach after News Corp reported last week that he was the ARL Commission's preferred candidate. But it's understood a number of league heavyweights are pushing for Warrington Wolves coach Burgess to get the gig. The South Sydney legend has confirmed he's interested and has held informal discussions with officials about potentially taking the role.
There are suggestions that Burgess' massive profile in Australia and England could help him attract international talent to the NRL if he were to become Bears coach. Fellow Englishman and former Canberra Raiders halfback George Williams is one such international star that Burgess has a key connection to and could look to bring with him to Perth is he was to land the Bears job.