Kearney to discuss role at Warriors

Dumped Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney is seeking a role at the Warriors in 2013.

Kearney, who resigned last month as coach of the Eels following a dismal 2012 campaign, is shifting from Sydney to Auckland and is likely to take up a position with the New Zealand Rugby League.

However, the Kiwis coach is meeting Warriors officials this weekend to discuss a role alongside head coach Brian McClennan at the club which has slumped from beaten finalists last year to 13th place with three rounds remaining in 2012.

“There is an appeal with the Warriors and what they have to build on there and what they have at their disposal in terms of talent and resource,” Kearney told New Zealand’s Radio Sport.

Kearney said he enjoyed spending time with his family since leaving the Eels but the time had come to pin down his coaching future. He said he had three options in front of him but wanted to keep them private.

The Warriors are conducting a review into the season and chief executive Wayne Scurrah said no job was safe – including McClennan’s – particularly after massive losses to the Sharks and Cowboys in their past two games.

Despite his disappointing two-season stint with the Eels, Kearney said a desire remained to coach in the NRL.

“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.”

Scurrah said no deal had been reached with Kearney, particularly while the club review was in progress.

“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.”

Warriors captain Simon Mannering knew little about the talks with Kearney but said his arrival would boost the club.

“He’s obviously a very good coach. He’s had his success at the Kiwis and a pretty good apprenticeship at Melbourne,” Mannering said.

“Unfortunately it didn’t go too well at Parramatta.

“But if you can bring in more assets to help out in certain areas, you’d be silly if you didn’t.”

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