• [Daily Mirror Icon]
• Sport
• Rugby League

Warrington Wolves' Sam Burgess makes startling disciplinary admission

Wire head coach has spoken of his frustrations after being left in the dark about new protocols

[Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess after his side's Super League semi-final loss at Hull KR]

View 3 Images

Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess after his side's Super League semi-final loss at Hull KR(Image: PA)

Fuming Warrington boss Sam Burgess has slammed the RFL for failing to inform players about a controversial new disciplinary process.

Wolves have their first pre-season friendly against Widnes tomorrow night. But Burgess says he only found out about the new protocols TODAY.

A new points-based system has been introduced instead of players copping bans for individual offences. Each on-field misconduct charge is worth a certain number of points and when players pass a threshold in any 12-month period they are hit with an automatic suspension.

But points have also been carried over from last year. Asked if hed had any input into the changes, ex-England captain Burgess revealed: I was sent that this morning, so no.

Im just telling the truth were three weeks out from the season and I was told about it this morning. Theres a lot of frustrating stuff. I think the system looks alright from what Ive seen of it but nothing should carry over.

Its a new season so how does that work? All of the players have paid the price for their past indiscretions, so lets move on. If were having a new system, just start it now.

Warringtons Aussie prop Paul Vaughan has eight points - with six to 11 points resulting in a one-game ban - so hes already treading a fine line. But Burgess - who has also expressed his views on the ongoing Salford Red Devils saga - continued: I read about it in the press before I was told about it, probably like most head coaches.

[Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess after the Challenge Cup final loss to Wigan]

View 3 Images

Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess after the Challenge Cup final loss to Wigan(Image: PA)

I got in touch with the league in mid-December to see if theyd come out and give us the new legislation and rules. [Match review panel chair] Paul Cullen did last year and it was very informative.

But they said they werent ready for it and now, a month later, weve still not had anyone out to explain. Were playing a game in 24 hours. I dont know what theyre going to do if they want to sanction one of my players because I just wont accept it! What am I supposed to do?

"Its tough, isnt it? Were all playing the same rules but if theyre changing the system, its not been explained to us."

[3_Warrington-Wolves-v-Leeds-Rhinos-Betfred-Super-League-Magic-Weekend-Elland-Road.jpg]

View 3 Images

Warrington Wolves' Paul Vaughan is one player who might be fearful in the opening weeks of the new Super League season(Image: PA)

Burgess, 36, was also bemused by the decision to bring Super League clubs into the Challenge Cup at the earlier third round stage.

They visit either Whitehaven or Swinton early next month - but some Super League sides will, bizarrely, face amateur opponents under the new format.

Burgess, who led Warrington to Wembley last year in his first season as head coach, retorted: The game before the [Super League] season...?

I dont want to get in any trouble... I understand the concept, but are we considered in that?

No-one spoke to me about it we were just told what to do. Its similar to the mouthguard stuff. It was do this otherwise this will happen. Were not even a consideration in it.

[Daily Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.