Kearney looks set for long stint as coach of the Warriors
League With a new deal in the works, Stephen Kearney could become the longest serving coach in Warriors history.
Kearney’s three-year contract is up at the end of next season and informal talks have already started on a new one. Warriors chief executive Cameron George wouldn’t be drawn on specifics, but the Weekend Herald understands there is a desire from the club for a long-term deal, similar to the four-year contract agreed with captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck last February.
Such a move will be a relief to Warriors fans, who have grown accustomed to coaching chaos. Usually around this time of year at Mt Smart, there are questions hovering over the man in the hot seat; that was the case for five of the last seven seasons. But not now, while there are up to 10 other NRL clubs potentially caught up in coaching dramas, the Warriors won’t be part of it.
“Stephen and I trust each other,” George told the Weekend Herald. “We have a very close personal and working relationship [and] because of that, him and I know where we are going.
“We both have the same desire to be here; I want him here and he wants to be here. The last thing he needs is to be anywhere near that merry-goround [in Australia].
“The board have endorsed my view on Stephen [and] stability is crucial for us, for long-term success and that is what everyone is after.”
Stability has been rare for coaches at the Warriors. The exception was Ivan Cleary, who lasted six years (2006-11) before his controversial exit, while Daniel Anderson left midway through his fourth season in 2004. John Monie (1995-97) and Andrew McFadden (2014-16) were the only others to last more than two seasons, while six others had 50 games or less.
It’s early days but Kearney could outlast them all. Kearney has sowed the seeds of success, after a painful introduction last year, when the Warriors won only seven games. Given the amount of young talent, Kearney will sense a chance to start a dynasty, as he observed at both the Storm and Broncos.
“We are having talks, just informal talks,” said Kearney. “I wanted to make sure that we put the right group together first. We needed the right replacement for Cappy [Andrew McFadden] and we have found Todd [Payten]. We have shored up Stacey [ Jones] and Tony [Iro]. My situation will happen when it happens.”
Kearney also implied he has no desire to coach elsewhere and hinted that he would like to be at Mt Smart into the next decade. “I wasn’t going to spend two years apart from my family if I wasn’t committed to this footy club,” said Kearney, when asked if he would contemplate a return to Australia. “I’m dead set committed to making sure we get the club to a situation where it is reaching its potential and finding its capability all the time.”
But Kearney also indicated he was in no hurry, and had other pressing priorities.
“My focus is on the three weeks [left] in the regular season and I want to make sure my energy is all on that.”