Sam Burgess was involved in a heated tunnel exchange after the NRL great fired up over an interchange controversy in Warrington’s 24-6 win over Hull FC in the Super League.
Burgess and Richie Myler were pictured exchanging words in a moment that the former Rabbitohs forward said was sparked by a “smart comment” from the Hull FC director of rugby.
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It came after the Wolves were docked an interchange over a team sheet indiscretion, having named back rower Adam Holroyd on the bench but not on the official list that was supposed to be sent to the Rugby Football League (RFL).
Burgess said the 21-man squad was sent to everyone except the RFL and Hull complained as a result.
Holroyd was included on the team’s squad that was posted on social media though, including a graphic posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday earlier in the week.
Even if Warrington was guilty of an administrative error, Burgess argued common sense should have prevailed, with the Wolves instead reduced to seven interchanges as a result.
“I don’t know, it was poor management from someone,” Burgess told Sky Sports.
“We named a 21-man squad, it’s on our social media and it’s public, so we’ve got to get it right.
“We talk about concussion and protecting our players, well tonight you’ve failed. Someone needs to be held accountable for that.
“We had a choice to make before the game and we didn’t make the right choice for the players. If it had been the other way round, I’d have made the right choice for the player regardless.
“We’re living in that world now, so let’s all get on board. Otherwise, what are we doing?”
Burgess was later pictured in a brief but heated exchange in the tunnel with Myler, explaining the Hull FC director of rugby made a “smart comment” as he walked past.
“He really doesn’t need to do that,” Burgess said.
“I get he is new in the job — so am I. But the game is done, it’s done now. Let’s move on.”
Burgess doubled down on his stance in his post-game press conference, arguing decisions should be made “that are best for the players”.
“It’s that simple,” he said.
“It’s just not good enough. There was a mess up, but I don’t know what we are trying to do.
“We have got all these protocols around player safety but when anyone gets the chance to get one up on the other team.
“Where’s the common sense in that? Is it asking too much for a bit of common sense? If the shoe was on the other foot, common sense should prevail in my eyes.”
Originally published as ‘You’ve failed’: Sam Burgess slams interchange call sparks tunnel exchange