South Sydney Rabbitohs icon Sam Burgess will leave the club at the end of the season after it was confirmed he was appointed as the new head coach of the Warrington Wolves.

Currently an assistant at the club under Jason Demetriou, he is also a premiership-winning player with the Rabbitohs, where he produced one of the most remarkable performances in a Grand Final, emulating John Sattler with a jaw fracture.

In his first job as a head coach, he will lead the Warrington Wolves for the next two seasons (2024 and 2025), following axed Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook turning down the offer.

Blake Solly, the Rabbitohs CEO, spoke about the enormous contribution Burgess has made as a player and as a coach as he gets set to embark on a new journey.

"Sam made his name in the Super League playing for the Bradford Bulls and first arrived on our shores to join our Club on his 21st birthday in 2009," Mr Solly said.

"Since then, he has gone on to win multiple George Piggins Medals, a Clive Churchill Medal and the Rabbitohs 21st premiership in 2014.

"Since his playing career has come to an end, he has set his sights on a coaching career which saw him coach his own side in the Orara Valley Axemen to a Grand Final last season, as well as assisting with our NRL side and our young talent over the past season with a specific focus on defence.

"Sam has been presented with an opportunity to become a Head Coach of one of the powerhouse clubs in the Super League competition and it's an opportunity he wanted to take in his coaching journey. He moves to Warrington later this year with our blessing and we know he will be doing everything he can help us win our 22nd premiership before he leaves.

"On behalf of everyone at the Rabbitohs, we wish Sam and his fiancรฉe Lucy the very best of luck when they return to England. We hope that sometime in the not-too-distant future the Rabbitohs can take on the Wire in the World Club Challenge."

ST HELENS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Actor and co-owner of South Sydney Rabbitohs Russell Crowe and former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Sam Burgess (L) in discussion prior to the World Club Challenge match between St Helens and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Langtree Park on February 22, 2015 in St Helens, England. The match is the climax of the newly-expanded World Club Series. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

โ€œI'm pleased to confirm I will take on the role of Head Coach at the Warrington Wolves for seasons 24/25," Burgess said.

โ€œFrom playing in the Super League to having the opportunity to lead an incredible club, it's a full circle moment and one I am fully committed to and excited by.

โ€œI want to thank Simon [Moran], Stuart [Middleton] and Karl [Fitzpatrick] at the Wolves for their courage and collaboration, as I look forward to returning to England to coach this great club.

โ€œTo Russell [Crowe], Blake [Solly], JD [Demetriou] and the stakeholders at South Sydney, thank you for supporting me in taking on this new position. We still have an opportunity to play some great football for the remainder of the year and to do so alongside our current staff and squad, is my focus.โ€

"To the South Sydney Members, the greatest fans in the game, I forever thank you for always being behind me. I will carry that support I feel from you wherever I go. This is not goodbye, but see you all soon. SB #1073"