Kearney talking to Warriors
August 17, 2012 11:24:12 UK
New Zealand Warriors will hold talks with Stephen Kearney about a possible role at the club.
The Warriors have suffered five consecutive defeats, and coach Brian McClennan is under pressure.
Kearney coaches the Kiwis, and the New Zealand Rugby League are keen for him to be more active in his home country now that he is without an NRL club.
He was released from his contract at the Parramatta Eels, but has plenty of club credentials from his time as assistant coach at the Melbourne Storm.
Kearney will be meeting Warriors officials this weekend and admits he has "two or three" options to consider.
"There's another couple of reasons that I'm coming over. It's an opportunity to catch up with the Kiwi staff and, you know, sort of see if an opportunity presents itself at the Warriors," Kearney told Radio Sport.
"With all that has transpired at Parramatta, I'm more determined to try and work something out and make something work. That hasn't changed," he said.
McClennan, the former Kiwis coach, is in his first season after taking over from Ivan Cleary who led the side to last year's grand final.
Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said nothing had been finalised with Kearney.
"No offers have been made, no commitment's been given by Stephen, and no commitment by the club. We want to sit down and have a chat," Scurrah said.
Stand-in skipper Manu Vatuvei, who has worked with Kearney at the Kiwis, believes he would be a good addition to the club.
Vatuvei told ONE News: "He's a really good coach and he knows his job, and even though he had a bad season this year, it doesn't mean his next few seasons will be bad."
McClennan himself has welcomed the talks, saying if Kearney was given a role "it would be great for our coaching staff and great for our club."
Meanwhile, Canterbury Bulldogs are 2.05 to win the Grand Final, with Cronulla Sharks 5657.00.
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