I in McFadden as assistant coach
would be retained for the 2018 season.
“I’ve been really comfortable with Cappy and what he brings to the table,” Kearney told the “He’s a smart football coach and has a lot to offer the club, so I’ve been really comfortable with the situation.”
At first, it was a bit incongruous to see McFadden — who had been in charge for almost three seasons and 67 games — acting as one of the runners on game day, distributing water and advice to the players during the match.
But McFadden, who first came to Mt Smart in November 2012 as an assistant to Matthew Elliott, took his demotion on the chin, and it has been a credit to his professionalism that he has adapted quickly to the new role.
McFadden has also retained the respect of the playing group, which hasn’t always happened with departed Warriors coaches in the past.
Kearney also indicated Stacey Jones would be retained, but there’s likely to be a change to the coaching structure.
“I’m pretty comfortable with a couple of assistants, rather than three,” said Kearney, referring to the prospect of replacing former assistant Steve McNamara, who left to coach Catalans in June.
“But we are looking at potentially having another coach who is full-time who looks after the reserve grade side but is helping the first grade, too,” added Kearney. “That’s potentially the make-up of the coaching staff.”
Ricky Henry has been in charge of the Warriors ISP outfit this season — with the team second in the NSW Cup — but it’s not a full-time position.