Dumped Parramatta Eels coach Stephen Kearney won’t be pondering his NRL future much longer according to the Sportingbet Australia punters that have backed him in to $1.40 favouritism to replace Brian McClennan as coach of the NZ Warriors.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Kearney is the obvious pick to get the Warriors job.

“Kearney has been linked with the Warriors head coaching role even before McClennan resigned,” Sullivan said.

“He met with Warriors officials last weekend and has admitted he has options available to him in the NRL.”

“He deserves to be a hot favourite.”

Warriors assistant coach Tony Iro is a $4.00 second favourite to be promoted to the head role, while former New Zealand international David Kidwell is third favourite at $5.00.

Who will be the NZ Warriors head coach for 2013?
Sportingbet Australia market
Stephen Kearney 1.40
Tony Iro 4.00
David Kidwell 5.00
Any Other 7.00
John Ackland 8.00
Matthew Elliott 11.00
Daniel Anderson 13.00