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Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly has revealed a frank discussion with assistant coach Sam Burgess and his priorities as the main factor behind the decision to release the former premiership-winner from the club’s coaching staff.
South Sydney confirmed in a statement that they had agreed to release Burgess from his assistant coaching duties, effective immediately, to concentrate on his role as the Warrington Wolves head coach in 2024 and the impending birth of his child.
Wests Tigers also confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that fellow assistant John Morris will join their coaching staff in an assistant role alongside head coach Benji Marshall in 2024.
Morris played 300 games over 14 seasons in the NRL including three seasons at Wests Tigers, where he didn’t miss a game for the joint venture.
Solly told reporters that questions were put forward to all of the Rabbitohs coaching staff, including Burgess and Morris, surrounding their role and future priorities.
"It was a discussion with both assistant coaches as to whether they wanted to be here and try and finish the season off as well as we could," Solly told the media on Wednesday.
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Rabbitohs: Round 25
"We've got a big game against the Roosters next week, if we win that we're in the top eight and we firmly believe we have a team that can win the competition and go on a big run.
"The question was asked of everyone 'is that the preference to get on and work together for the rest of the season and John (Morris) was yes and Sam (Burgess) and the club agreed that Sam has got some other priorities to work on.
"His partner is about to give birth, he's got the Warrington job and he's becoming increasingly involved with preparations for next season.
"And Sam felt it was in his interest not to."
Meanwhile, head coach Jason Demetriou said he did not feel like there was "anything going on untoward" among the coaching staff and his focus is only on the Rabbitohs' likely sudden-death shoutout between the Roosters in ten days.
"We all have differences, I've had many conversations with Wayne Bennett and every coach I've worked with," Demetriou said.
"I have an issue and have never had an issue with John Morris. Let's make that very clear.
"I didn't want Sam out of the club, no but it is what it is, the decision's been made and we move on.
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Knights v Rabbitohs - Round 25, 2023
"I think he's going to be a great coach in Warrington and I wish him well.
"My focus now is on getting the team ready for two weeks time."
South Sydney will continue the rest of the season under the leadership of head coach Jason Demetriou and assistant coaches Ben Hornby and John Morris.
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 27 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
9th Position
away Team
Roosters
7th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney