New Zealand announce new deal for Stephen Kearney

The Warriors have announced a three-year deal for head coach Stephen Kearney.

Kearney has spent two years with the New Zealand Warriors and will remain at the club until the end of the 2022 season.

“When I first came back to the club, I was honoured to be given the opportunity to help the club move forward and improve,” Kearney told the club website.

“I’m pleased to have my future sorted out with this new contract and to know I’ll be with the club for a few more years.

“We made progress last season but, to be honest, the focus for me is always what’s next for us and that’s preparing for this week’s trial against Wests Tigers in Whangarei.”

Following last Friday night's solid 12-6 NRL trial win over Melbourne, his re-signing gives the club stability ahead of the season.  In 2018 the Warriors had one of their most successful season in years and there's no wonder that the Warriors are looking to secure Kearney for another three years.

“Securing Stephen for another three years is a huge boost for us as we prepare to begin our 25th season in the competition,” Warriors CEO Cameron George told the club website.

“We haven’t enjoyed a lot of stability as an organisation, especially in the coaching area. Without stability in our football department it’s extremely challenging to improve and to achieve continuity.

“It’s vital to have the right people in the right roles and in Stephen we have someone who absolutely fits what we need. He has all the characteristics you would want as both a coach and a person.

“We’ve been talking with Stephen for some time about ensuring he remains to continue the work that has been going on and we couldn’t be more pleased he’s staying on for another three years.

“He’s very professional, he has a very good relationship with his staff and players and has hands-on experience as a premiership-winning player, a Test player and a coach who has all the attributes need.

“Stephen is a big part of our future.”