Given his work under Kearney, the 39-year-old would provide a seamless transition as New Zealand ramp up their preparations for next year’s World Cup.
Advertisement
Stephen Kearney has been confirmed as new Warriors coach, replacing Andrew McFadden on a three-year deal.
Kearney was head coach of Parramatta in 2011 and 2012, having also been an assistant to Craig Bellamy at Melbourne for five seasons.
Kearney was standing down from his Kiwis role to concentrate exclusively on the Warriors.
“Stephen has taken the Kiwis to a new level with their successes in the Rugby League World Cup in 2008 and twice in the Four Nations in 2010 and 2014”.
Watson is on the board, along with Henry, Warriors managing director Jim Doyle, directors Owen Eastwood and Les Archer, experienced National Football League coach Eric Mangini and former Warriors forward Awen Guttenbeil.
Kearney’s appearance in the team is expected to help the club return to its original status.
Kearney will finish with the Brisbane Broncos when the 2016 season ends.
McFadden said he still has ambitions to be a head coach in the NRL in the future but for the time being his new position is the right one for the club and him personally.
The Warriors have also promoted club legend Stacey Jones to play a role in “specific specialised areas”, while McFadden’s assistants Andrew Webster and Justin Morgan are “finishing up”.
They were 10th this season, while finishing 13th past year and ninth in 2014.
Brisbane are set to take on the North Queensland Cowboys this Friday in the NRL finals knockout match.
“I’ve been speaking to (McFadden) about his role and I’m thrilled he’s staying on”. He has so much to offer with his knowledge about the club and I’m really looking forward to working with him. That’s not how we as Maori and Pacific like to receive information.
Advertisement
He said the advisory board would give “senior players better coaching support than they’ve had before”. “We wish Stephen every success with the Warriors”.
