Stephen Kearney is close to signing an extension that will keep him at the Warriors through to 2022, joining Ivan Cleary as the club’s longest-serving coach.
Chief executive Cameron George confirmed negotiations with Kearney are nearing an end and the 46-year-old is poised to be retained until the end of 2022.
Kearney, who is about to embark on the final leg of a three-season deal, would join Ivan Cleary as the only six-year coach in the club’s history dating back to 1995.
George wants to build success on a stable off-field core and said retaining Kearney is vital if they are to improve last year’s result, when they ended a seven-season playoff drought.
George noted the Warriors have employed 11 coaches since John Monie led the inaugural side, which explained why they have largely underperformed.
“We probably haven’t enjoyed many years of stability. It’s something that I’m very focused on trying to ensure that we do,” George said.
“He is a big part of the future in my eyes. He wants to be here, the club wants him to be here and it’s something I think is crucial.
“Stephen, for me, has all the characteristics that we, as a club, are crying out for.”
Cleary steered the club to a grand final in 2011, the final year of his contract.
The club barely threatened the post-season since, until Kearney’s men placed eighth last year, before losing their elimination final to Penrith.
It was a considerable improvement on Kearney’s first season in charge, when the Warriors won just seven of 24 games.
The former grand final winner as a player with Melbourne won just 10 of 42 matches in an aborted two-season stint as a maiden head coach at Parramatta in 2011-12.
He accepted an assistant post at the Brisbane Broncos and enjoyed success as Kiwis Test coach before joining the Warriors.
Kearney said “we are getting there” when quizzed on contract negotiations on Tuesday.
He said one consideration was whether to return to Brisbane, where his wife and two daughters remained when he crossed the Tasman in late 2016.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
You’re probably right on the first part, but what good is an option executable on agreement by both parties?
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I'd like to add something to clarify that comment.. but I'm sure it would be unprintable..
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
And there is talk Mary is being courted for another extension.. WTHeck are these execs smoking?? Both Kearney and Mary were in the doghouse at the start of 2018, both limped into the finals. Neither should be signed before their team is locked into the top 8 for 2019 and even then on short term performance based contracts until they have some consistent success behind them.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Another terrible decision by Cameron George. This guy seems to want to make headlines rather than run the club. Not fun being a warrior's fan at the moment.
Wayne Turner
Guest
And lucky him: Dealing with a stupid CEO.
Wayne Turner
Guest
Another moron pretending to run a club. It makes no logical sense at all.
Wayne Turner
Guest
Why? He must be a really good suck up. Clearly it's NOT based on merit. NOT waiting to see how they go this season,and especially without Shaun Johnson. Another idiot pretending they can run a club.
Paul
Roar Guru
I'd love to know what are the performance parameters Kearney has to meet as part of his contract. If that's making the finals this year, that's not going to happen. If it's making the finals in 2020, that's not likely to happen, so why sign the guy to a 3 year contract that's likely to be terminated early through a lack of wins?
Don
Roar Rookie
What is wrong with these club execs? Kearney would only be in demand in English SL or as a NRL assistant so why would you give him 3 years? Just sign him for 2 with an 1 year option executable on agreement by both parties? Must have a good manager...