The New Zealand Warriors have ended the tenure of head coach Stephen Kearney.
Reports emerged late on Saturday afternoon that forty-eight year old Kearney had been sacked by the club.
Shortly after the club confirmed the news and released a statement.
“We’re so grateful to Stephen for the dedication he has shown to us in what have been difficult circumstances. His commitment, work ethic and concern for the wellbeing of the club, players and their families through this challenging year is testament to his character and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Kearney has been the subject of widespread speculation about his future in the past twelve months with the Warriors posting only eleven wins in their last thirty outings.
Last night was the Warriors fourth loss for the season, coming at the hand of a rampant South Sydney Rabbitohs 40-12.
The Warriors players and officials have sacrificed time with family and friends back in New Zealand by setting up their training in New South Wales over the past six weeks.
Kearney’s interim replacement will be Warriors assistant coach Todd Payten.
Stephen Kearney profile
- Born June 11, 1972
- 45 tests for New Zealand
- 264 matches with Western Suburbs, Auckland Warriors and Melbourne Storm
- Member of the Storm’s inaugural premiership winning side
- 43 tests as coach for New Zealand (56% win-loss record)
- 42 games as coach of Parramatta Eels (24% win-loss record)
- 79 games as coach of New Zealand Warriors (42% win-loss record)
2017 – 24 games, 7 wins
2018 – 25 games, 15 wins (Week 1 finals loss)
2019 – 24 games, 9 wins, 1 draw
2020 – 6 games, 2 wins
