Kearney is man for the Warriors’ job – Cappy

Former Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden admits his demotion to assistant has been “weird” but insists the club is better for it heading into the 2017 NRL season.

McFadden lost his top job at the end of last year, after compiling a record of 28 wins and 34 losses with the Auckland-based franchise over two seasons.

He was replaced by Stephen Kearney, who had to step down as Kiwis coach to take the appointment. But McFadden has found a valuable role in Kearney's staff.

Ironically, McFadden was named as Kearney's Kiwis assistant for the 2014 Anzac test but had to withdraw when he replaced Matthew Elliott as Warriors head coach.

“It has been a bit weird, there's no doubt about that, but in terms of the work, it has been an easy transition,” McFadden told Newstalk ZB.

“I've been an assistant coach before, so I know how it works. It's a much more simplified role, and that makes it easy to come to work and have a very narrow focus.

“It's important that I've got a really open mind when I come into this. I had the opportunity as a coach, it didn't work out — it certainly didn't meet my expectations — so I'm happy to sit here and take in some other ideas.”

Kearney brings a culture of success on the international stage, winning the 2008 World Cup, two Four Nations crowns and the 2015 Anzac test. But there are still questions over Kearney's ability to sustain an NRL club campaign over an entire season, after his 10-31 record with the Parramatta Eels.

However, McFadden believes his appointment has been good for the Warriors.

“I think the club is in good shape and I most definitely think Stephen Kearney is the right man,” he said. “He certainly knows what he wants and that makes it easy for the players to know what their expectations are.”

McFadden points to a playing group that has changed little over the off-season, apart from the introduction of Kieran Foran, and many of the younger players have a better understanding of what's required.

McFadden says questions marks over Foran's availability, while the club awaits NRL approval for his transfer, have not proved a distraction.

“Obviously, he has had some personal issues, but the one thing that has been solid for him is footy,” he said. “He is coming back from injury, but as he gets closer to full fitness, I can see him engaging more with the group and you can see he has a smile on his face. He's a competitive little bugger and that's important for us.”