Sam Burgess’ Coaching Debut in Las Vegas Uncertain as Visa Approval Still Pending

South Sydney icon Sam Burgess is confronting the possibility of missing out on coaching Super League club Warrington during rugby league’s return to Las Vegas due to complications with his visa.

With the clock ticking down to next week, Burgess is yet to receive formal approval for his visa.

According to sources familiar with the situation, who have not been authorised to comment publicly, Burgess has not yet secured permission to enter the United States, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

At present, Burgess might not be able to attend the Wolves’ match against the Warriors on Sunday, March 2 (Australian time) at Allegiant Stadium.

Reports indicate that Burgess has rushed to London for urgent visa approval.

A number of NRL players were required to attend interviews at the US consulate before their visa approvals due to previous legal issues.

Leading up to last year’s doubleheader, there were worries regarding South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton as well as Brisbane’s Reece Walsh, who faced scrutiny over their ability to travel to the US related to prior encounters with the law.

This year, players from the Warriors, Cronulla, and Canberra were also required to visit the US consulate, including Raiders trio Josh Papalii, Tom Starling, and Joe Tapine.

In 2021, Burgess pleaded guilty to three traffic offences but received no conviction— he was instead ordered to complete a traffic offender’s program.

Warrington is scheduled to face Catalans at home on Saturday AEDT before heading to Vegas.

If Burgess’ visa is not cleared in time, it is anticipated that his assistant coaches Martin Gleeson and Richard Marshall will take the reins.