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Warriors dump coach Kearney after NRL hiding
WELLINGTON, June 20, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The New Zealand Warriors sacked coach Stephen Kearney Saturday, a day after a 40-12 thumping by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, four games in to Australia’s revived National Rugby League.
“Stephen was informed this morning that we needed to make an immediate change,” Warriors boss Cameron George said.
“It’s a tough day for all of us particularly after last night’s performance.”
The Warriors, now domiciled in Australia because of COVID-19 enforced travel restrictions have lost two of their four matches since the competition resumed at the end of May.
They lie 12th in the 16-team competition after also losing both games played before the coronavirus pandemic halted play in mid-March.
Kearney had two years to run on his contract and George described him as “extremely professional” before adding: “We feel we need to make a change now in the best interests of the club.”
Assistant coach Todd Payten has been named as Kearney’s interim replacement.
Payten joined the Warriors staff last year after working with the Cowboys and was a member of their coaching staff when they won the NRL grand final in 2015.
During his 259-game playing career, he experienced grand final success when he helped the Wests Tigers to their maiden premiership in 2005.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1354 hrs