Sam Burgess is expected to be “very busy” in the coming months and has already eyed off a Storm star in the hope to improve his Warrington roster for next season.
The South Sydney assistant will return to the UK after signing a three-year deal to become head coach of the Warrington Wolves from 2024.
Veteran journalist Brent Read says Burgess has wasted no time chasing the signatures of current NRL players.
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“Obviously Sam Burgess is trying to strengthen his side for next year and Justin Olam has been out of favour in Melbourne,” Read said on Triple M.
“He hasn’t been playing recently, he’s had a dip in form and Sam has had a go at him to try and get him over to Warrington but it looks like Justin Olam wants to stay here and fight for his position at the Storm.
“It looks like that won’t be happening, but he’s been very active has Sammy in trying to build that side up for next year so that when he arrives he has a very competitive outfit so I’d stay tuned on that front as I think Sam will be very busy over the next couple of months.”
FAMILY TIES COULD SEE EELS RETAIN EMERGING STAR
Parramatta centre Will Penisini has revealed his brother’s emergence as an NRL star could prove crucial in the race for his signature.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Eels powerbrokers are facing a looming battle with the young centre on Eddie Jones’ Wallabies radar.
The 21-year-old is contracted until the end of 2025, with Rugby Australia’s scheduled fixtures against the British and Irish Lions happening that same year ahead of a 2027 World Cup.
Penisini’s close friend Joseph Suaalii has already confirmed he will make a cross-code switch, penning a three-year deal worth north of $5 million.
However, Penisini’s brother Richard’s emergence has reportedly seen him earmarked as one of the Eels’ long-term retention targets.
Richard Penisini was a key figure in Parramatta’s premiership-winning SG Ball team this season and, similar to his brother, is a damaging outside back.
He is set to make his NSW Cup debut on Friday, with Will confirming he hopes to one day play first grade alongside his brother.
“Yeah, 100 per cent. It’s a dream for him to be able to debut for the club and a dream for us as brothers to be able to play together for the Eels,” Penisini said to News Corp.
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“It’ll be a huge moment for my family if it does happen.
I know he’s got a long way to go but I think getting an NRL pre-season under his belt going into next year will help get him close to that dream.”
Penisini also played down talk of a potential rugby union switch to join his close friend Suaalii in Wallabies colours.
“That is still far away, there are still two more years (before my contract ends). I’m totally focused on what is going on this year,” he said.
“We have a huge challenge ahead of us as a team so to be honest I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”
