Kearney strives for plain sailing
Stephen Kearney has stressed the importance of stability in his bid to rebuild the Warriors amid uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership.
Auckland businessman Paul Davys on Sunday revealed that he is in talks to buy the Warriors from Eric Watson and has given the long-time owner a deadline of tomorrow to accept his offer.
Kearney is in the first of a three-year deal at Mt Smart and how a change in ownership could affect his position at the underperforming Auckland outfit remains unclear, although he insists he has not contemplated losing his job.
‘‘I haven’t even thought about that, to be honest, because there hasn’t been a change of ownership as yet,’’ Kearney said. ‘‘What I’ve got control over is that we have training today and a game on Friday so that’s all I’m focusing on.’’
Davys told Stuff last weekend that his No 1 priority should he take control of the Warriors would be to improve their culture.
He praised Kearney’s coaching background but was reserving judgment until he has the chance to sit down with the former Kiwis mentor.
With the Warriors destined to miss the playoffs for a sixthconsecutive season, Kearney’s appointment has not had the instant impact fans had hoped for but he does deserve more time to stamp his mark on the team.
The Warriors have churned through four coaches since 2011 with little improvement and it has become clear that transforming them into regular premiership contenders is a long-term process.
‘‘I think it’s really important,’’ Kearney said of maintaining stability. ‘‘There’s no point pointing the finger, blaming him, her, whoever, it’s about fixing it and working it work.
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‘‘I’m sure Eric and Jim [Doyle, Warriors managing director] have the club’s interests at heart and I’m sure whatever happens will happen for the right reasons.’’
Kearney also dismissed criticism aimed at the Warriors’ environment by one of his predecessors, Matthew Elliott.
Elliott, who was sacked just five rounds into his second season in charge of the club in 2014, claimed good players join the Warriors and get worse. Unsurprisingly, Kearney disagreed, saying: ‘‘In my short time here I’ve seen individuals improve but he’s entitled to his opinion.’’
The Warriors head to Sydney for tomorrow’s clash against the Rabbitohs with confidence at rock bottom following a six-game losing streak.
Their preparation took a hit yesterday when hooker Nathaniel Roache went down with a leg injury at training.
While the full extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, the 21-year-old has been ruled out, opening the door for out-of-form veteran Issac Luke to return to the starting side.
Regaining belief is easier said than done when a team is continually on the wrong end of the scoreboard but Kearney has been pleased with their attitude at training.
First things first, the Warriors need to show far more resilience in defence than they did during last week’s 36-16 loss to the Raiders.
But if they can fix that and capitalise on attacking opportunities, the coach is confident that their luck can change. ‘‘You’ve got to keep striving to win games, that’s the only way you get your confidence back,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s been a challenging six weeks but I’m confident the guys find themselves in good spirits this week, so I’m sure it’s pretty close.’’
After missing last week’s match with a shoulder complaint, the Warriors have been boosted by the return of five-eighth Kieran Foran.
Foran is teaming up with Ata Hingano in the halves for the first time but that combination may not last long, with Shaun Johnson on track to return from a knee injury for the final home game of the season against Manly next week.
‘‘He’s got to get through a bit of contact but he’s moving pretty well,’’ Kearney said.