The Warriors have sacked NRL coach Stephen Kearney, with assistant coach Todd Payten taking over immediately as caretaker.
Kearney was told on Saturday morning his services were no longer required, ending a three-and-a-half-year stint as the club’s coach.
The news was delivered just over 12 hours after the team’s dismal 40-12 loss to South Sydney, leaving the club with two wins from their opening six games.
“Stephen was informed this morning that we needed to make an immediate change,” Warriors chief executive Cameron George said on Saturday.
“It’s a tough day for all of us, particularly after last night’s performance.
“Stephen is extremely professional and has put in a huge amount of effort in the role.
“But along with the owners, we feel we need to make a change now in the best interests of the club.”
Kearney’s sacking comes as the team remains in camp on the NSW central coast, having left New Zealand indefinitely to play in this year’s competition.
Under Kearney’s reign, the Warriors have won just 33 of 79 games, making the finals only once – in 2018 – for a first-week exit.
“We’re so grateful to Stephen for the dedication he has shown to us in what have been difficult circumstances,” George said.
“His commitment, work ethic and concern for the wellbeing of the club, players and their families through this challenging year is testament to his character.”
Payten’s appointment is his first in the NRL after previously going closest at the Wests Tigers following Michael Potter’s axing in 2014.
The Tigers’ 2005 premiership-winning player has also spent time at North Queensland as an assistant, before joining the Warriors last year.
George said the club would begin the search for a new head coach, with Payten only acting in an interim capacity for now.
Former St George Illawarra and Newcastle coach Nathan Brown is already on the club’s coaching staff, and had been due to work on a fly-in, fly-out basis before the coronavirus pandemic.
His work with the club has since dried up due to the implementation of the bubble, however he would have to be considered one of the early front-runners.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He was signed to the end of 2022 though. That would mean around $800k a season.
Nick
Roar Guru
He surely wasn't on $1m a season?
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Feel sorry for Kearney but probably not shocked - its a tough gig being a rugby league coach - but if you don't get results you have to expect to feel the heat. The Warriors have been hit the hardest by COVID-19 but they doesn't appear to have been factored in by senior people at the club. Have to admit I was pretty disappointed by their lack of fight in the game last night. They just seem to accept defeat too easily. Do they need someone harder and more demanding to get them to perform? While Kearney may not have had a fantastic record I don't see too many alternatives beating the door down to be appointed. Out of the names I've heard mentioned maybe Hook (Anthony Griffin) has the best credentials.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
They’ve screwed him out of a job. No reason for it
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
The Courier-Mail is reporting that Kearney will have to be paid $2 million to pay out 2 years remaining on his contract. This is football land. The board has a problem with a bunch and bench of erratically performing footballers and they sack the coach. It would probably cost a bundle more, but why not deal with the problem by sacking a few players pour encourager les autres to be French about it, and leave the coach to deal with more willing players? Success on the field starts in the boardroom, not in the dressing room.
KFar
Guest
Who can the Warrior's afford, should be the question. The type of coach they need wont be cheap.
thomas c
Guest
If you've just watched the axe fall and you feel Kearney is hard done by (mid-season with corona and rule changes), are you seriously going to apply for the position? There's a top tier of possible coaches who want something better. And the lower tier would be wary because it would be their last chance.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Bad timing in my opinion. And I hate to say this is there going to be anyone who can turn the Warriors around? They have tried so many coaches over the years. The only ones that got any traction where Anderson and Clearly.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Why do they sack him before a game against Melbourne? It just means that the new coach starts off with a massive loss.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Seriously? Even as the fulltime coach?!
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Agree BD. I read it will cost them $2m to pay him out. Crazy.
Big Daddy
Guest
I reckon they've already got some one in place. Bit rough seeing he's 2 from 4 since they have come back.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
That’s harsh. Surely the board had limited expectations this year with the team having to relocate.
Over here
Roar Rookie
He lives in SE QLD
Soda
Roar Rookie
Poor results and an exodus of players asking for a release. Time was finally up for Mary McGre.... Wait, what? Kearney is axed first??? Man 2020 has been one weird thing after another.
Herewegoagain
Guest
Rugby Leagues ultimate poison chalice claims another victim. NEXT !
egbert
Guest
Dear me, that is cold.
Nick
Roar Guru
Ouch. In normal times that's a fair call, but these ain't normal times. Poor guy. He now has to go and cop 2 weeks of quarantine in NZ before he can get a hug from the family. That's just rubbing salt in the wound.