13 Sep 2016

Kearney replaces McFadden at Warriors

7:39 am on 13 September 2016

The New Zealand Warriors have dumped Andrew McFadden as head coach of the National Rugby League club, with Stephen Kearney taking his place.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney

Stephen Kearney Photo: Photosport

Kearney, who is currently assistant coach at the Brisbane Broncos, has signed on to lead the team in a three-year deal, with McFadden remaining at the club as one of his assistants.

McFadden had one year remaining on his three-year contract.

Stacey Jones will also join Kearney's coaching staff, after being promoted from his role as coach of the Intrust Super Premiership Warriors.

Current assistant coaches Andrew Webster and Justin Morgan will not come back to the club next year.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden speaking to media at Mount Smart Staduim, 11 May 2016.

Andrew McFadden stays on as assistant coach Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle said the club was delighted to bring Kearney back to the club, where he was a foundation player for the Warriors.

"He was outstanding during his playing career with the club and then with the Melbourne Storm before moving into coaching," he said.

"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.

"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 said he was looking forward to taking up the role,

"I'm really excited about coming on board at the Warriors," he 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."

Kearney will join the club once the Broncos finish their NRL season.

- RNZ