The New Zealand Warriors have announced not one, but two World Cup-winning coaches are to join the club, with Stephen Kearney appointed head coach on a three-year deal, while Sir Graham Henry is also coming on board.
Andrew McFadden, who still had a year to run on his contract, has been retained, having been demoted to one of Kearney’s assistants.
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”.
There are more changes afoot as well, with the club saying there’s “another experienced international coach set to be signed to join the coaching team”.
Meanwhile, Warriors’ owner Eric Watson also announced former All Blacks Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Graham Henry would be joining the club as part of a newly formed football advisory board.
Set to oversee the club’s football operations, Henry will be joined on the board by experienced NFL coach Eric Mangini, former player Awen Guttenbeil, director Owen Eastwood, board director Les Archer, and CEO Jim Doyle.
“As well has having directors on the advisory board, we’re especially thrilled to have the services of Sir Graham, Eric, Awen and Owen. They provide exceptional knowledge and experience from the professional sporting world as we strive to improve our standards throughout the club,” Watson said.
“The formation of the advisory board together with Stephen’s appointment and the other coaching roles are all part of a comprehensive overhaul of how we do business.”
Kearney was a foundation player at the club, featuring in 79 games from 1995-98 for the then Auckland Warriors.
“We’re delighted we’ve been able to bring Stephen back to Mount Smart Stadium,” said Doyle.
“He was outstanding during his playing career with the club and then with the Melbourne Storm before moving into coaching.
“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.
“During his coaching career he has also worked alongside two of the best coaches the game has seen in Craig Bellamy at the Storm and Wayne Bennett at the Broncos.
“Our review identified changes needed to be made and, in Stephen, we have a coach who has a reputation for demanding the highest standards.”
Kearney has had a mixed career as a head coach. After cutting his teeth under Craig Bellamy at the Storm, he was appointed coach at Parramatta, a role he held for less than two seasons before quitting with a record of just ten wins from 42 games.
Far more successful has been his time in charge of the Kiwis, leading the New Zealand national side to the 2008 World Cup, as well as Four Nations glory.
His current position is as an assistant to Wayne Bennett at the Broncos, a role he will see through until the end of this season – whenever that may be for Brisbane.
“I’m really excited about coming on board at the Vodafone Warriors,” Kearney said.
“The club means a lot to me from my time there as a player and this a great opportunity to take the football department in a new direction.
“I’ve been speaking to ‘Cappy’ [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.
“It’ll also be great to have Stacey involved to a greater degree with the NRL squad so we can really maximise the expertise he provides.”
Jacko
Guest
I dont see how he could show any form when playing alongside Widdop anyway but playing out of position wouldnt have helped either. Hopefully he hets a NRL gig for 2017
Rangersforever
Guest
Would.have been interesting so see what impact benji would have had at his peak if he went across to the warriors. No doubt he will end up at a super league club next year's nobody in the NRL would touch him off last seasons form.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
People saw the board at that club right...?
Mike Julz
Guest
Hey Benji Marshall is looking for a club, why not get him as well.?
Jacko
Guest
I believe that the travel is the main reason for the failure of the Warriors. Every year we have a great run thru the SOO period which I put down to having some bye's in this time and every year we struggle badly in the last 6+ games. Surely taking 3 days to play 1 game every second weekend must take its toll and HOPEFULLY having Graham Henry on board will bring some expertise to dealing with this issue. Now I know that the Cows and the Storm also travel but it is no where near as bad and it is domestic flights not International which cuts the day by about 4 hrs per flight. Will Kearney be a success at the Warriors? Not sure really but Crappy simply had to go.
andrew
Guest
Fair points, though Stuart came to the club having had significant coaching experience and success, not just with the Roosters, but with the junior Bulldogs. Kearney should be better now with more experience and exposure to coaching, I just wouldn't go putting all my hard earned on the Warriors making giant strides solely because of this hire.
maximillian
Guest
Ricky Stuart also had an abysmal record coaching the Eels but he seems to be going ok now. 1 of the reasons I believe Sticky is going well is he learned from his failures at Parra, & also returned to a club that he knows intimately. Kearney is no doubt a better coach due to his previous failures & is also a foundation member of the Warriors after playing there for 4 seasons. He understands the workings at Mt Smart & also the importance the club has for the game in NZ. I think he will go ok.
andrew
Guest
People saw Stephen Kearney when he was coach of the Eels right....? 10 wins and 31 losses.
Don
Roar Rookie
Graham Henry could be a good addition if the often spoken about "player power" and slack attitudes is rife in the club. His experience with the ABs could see a few prima donnas kicked in the pants or even punted. And it means they won't see the finger pointed soley at Steve Kearney for any changes. That will help Kearney make whatever tough calls need to be made.
MAX
Guest
If Stephen can entice one key Kiwi forward home to add to the team (+ KF?) your team will be top 4 for sure. Season 2017 may yet be the year of the Warrior.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Changing the coach. That should sort it out. Worked well the last 4 or so times...
maximillian
Guest
Cappy had to go so this is a good move by the Warriors. 1 thing Kearney has done really well is build a strong culture within the Kiwis. That's what the Warriors need more than anything so I like this move. Im a lot more optimistic now so Ill say every Warriors supporters favourite line, "next year is our year!"
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Too many cooks spoil the hãngi
Gaz
Roar Rookie
The Warriors needed to do something to rekindle the fire. Hope for their sake it's not a case of too many cooks.
Kdoggy
Guest
For many of us Warriors fans, it's been a long 20 years of heartache, bar 2 finals appearances. If Foran is indeed on board , and RTS is fit for next year, it could definitely be an interesting season. I'm really glad Cappy is still on board because I believe it's an attitude thing with the players and not all his fault, as many have suggested. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.