Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has hit out at the timing of the RFL’s new disciplinary system and has revealed that he found out about the changes via the media, with the Wire boss, or seemingly no other Super League coach, having a part in the discussion surrounding them.

The overhaul of the disciplinary system was confirmed last week with a new process seeing players pick up points for offences—akin to driving—with bans only coming to fruition once they reach a certain point number. It will see lower-grade offences carry fewer suspensions, while heftier disciplinary records will carry larger suspensions.

But despite a new system, players’ records will still be carried over into 2025 in what is a controversial factor and something that Burgess, who is entering his second season as Warrington coach, has criticised.

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Speaking at Warrington’s media day, he said: "I was sent that this morning (Thursday), so no (I had no input). I’m just telling the truth. We’re three weeks out from the season, and I was told about it this morning. There’s a lot of frustrating stuff.

"I think the system looks alright from what I’ve seen of it, but nothing should carry over. It’s a new season, so how does that work? All of the players have paid the price for their past indiscretions, so let’s move on. If we’re having a new system, just start it now."

Some players will be treading a thin line when the new season gets underway. Hull FC’s Ligi Sao is just a point away from a four-game ban, while a similar offence could see Wire front rower Paul Vaughan suspended. That is something that just doesn’t sit right with Burgess, who continued: "I read about it (the disciplinary process changes) in the press before I was told about it, probably like most head coaches.

"I got in touch with the league in mid-December to see if they’d come out and give us the new legislation and rules, which Paul Cullen did last year, and it was very informative. But they said they weren’t ready for it, and now, a month later, we’ve still not had anyone out to explain what’s going on.

"We’re playing a game in 24 hours, and I don’t know what they’re going to do if they want to sanction one of my players because I just won’t accept it. What am I supposed to do? It’s tough, isn’t it? We’re all playing by the same rules, but if they’re changing the system, it’s not been explained to us."

A full explanation of the new RFL disciplinary system can be found here.

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