- Warrington has flown to Las Vegas without Sam Burgess
- Visa dramas could see Burgess remain in the UK
- He is the head coach of Super League outfit Warrington
NRL legend Sam Burgess has been left grounded in England and could miss Warrington’s historic rugby league clash against Wigan in Las Vegas due to visa complications.
Warrington Wolves flew out to the USA on Sunday evening (local time, Monday morning AEDT) ahead of their Super League blockbuster next week against Wigan at Allegiant Stadium.
Burgess, who is head coach of the Wolves Super League team, remained at home as he attempts to solve his visa issues.
The Souths great spent two days at the US Embassy in London last week and is confident that the situation will be resolved in time.
‘It’s been a bit of a process,’ the South Sydney premiership winner told the Warrington Guardian.
‘Essentially it is out of my control at the moment. ‘I think I’ll get there. I’m confident.
Sam Burgess could miss Warrington’s historic rugby league clash against Wigan in Las Vegas due to visa complications
Warrington have jetted out to the US and Burgess has been left behind to sort his visa issues (pictured with wife Lucy)
‘A lot of work has gone on [behind the scenes].
Burgess, 36, added: ‘It is with the border control…and he has ‘received a few messages to say it’s going in the right direction.’
In 2021, Burgess pleaded guilty to three driving offences, including being behind the wheel with cocaine in his system.
Burgess avoided a criminal conviction after a four-week stint in rehab as well as completing a traffic offenders program.
The former England international isn’t the first footy star to have his visa under scrutiny following historical off-field dramas.
South Sydney pair Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton, as well as Sea Eagles pivot Luke Brooks plus Broncos fullback Reece Walsh visited the US consulate last year before flying to Sin City.
And in recent weeks, players from the Warriors, Sharks and Raiders – including trio Josh Papalii, Tom Starling and Joe Tapine – were all formally interviewed before having their paperwork rubber-stamped.
If Burgess’ visa application is rejected, assistant coaches Martin Gleeson and Richard Marshall will take charge for the Wolves.
Burgess spent two days at the US Embassy in London last week and is confident that the situation will be resolved in time
This weekend, Wigan tackle Warrington in the first match of a four-header (kick off 1.30pm Saturday in Vegas; 8:30am Sunday AEDT, 9.30pm Saturday UK), followed by Canberra against New Zealand (4pm Saturday in Vegas, 11am Sunday AEDT, midnight Saturday night into Sunday in UK) in the first match of a NRL double header to kick-off the 2025 season.
Next is the women’s Test match between the Australian Jillaroos and England (6.15pm Vegas, 1.15pm Sunday AEDT, 2.15am Sunday morning UK) before Nathan Cleary’s Panthers do battle with the Sharks (8.30pm Vegas, 3.30pm AEDT, 4.30am UK).
