Reports New Zealand Warriors coach Stephen Kearney sacked after South Sydney loss

A 28-point thrashing at the hands of the South Sydney Rabbitohs has reportedly cost the first NRL coach their job in 2020.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has reportedly been relieved of his position.

The New Zealand Warriors have reportedly sacked coach Stephen Kearney following the side’s 40-12 loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

While the Dragons’ Paul McGregor and Bulldogs’ Dean Pay have reportedly been in the hot seat in recent weeks, the Warriors have seemingly; y pulled the trigger despite the side’s challenging circumstances.

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With international travel out due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Warriors have been housed on the Central Coast.

The Daily Telegraph reported the move with the NRL.com quickly confirming, saying the site “Warriors players and staff were told of Kearney's dismissal while in camp in Terrigal on Saturday afternoon”.

It’s a stunning move from the Warriors after earlier in the season committing to stay in Australia to keep the season going before it was suspended and then agreeing to come back, quarantine and get the season restarted with many players feeling

Fox Sports commentators Warren Smith and Steve Roach shared their surprise at the move during the Dragons-Titans match on Saturday afternoon.

Smith said: “After everything the Warriors have been through in 2020, in camp up there still, away from their family friends on the Central Coast of NSW and the coach, six rounds into the 2020 season has been sacked.”

“Stunning, I’m stunned by that, I couldn’t believe it,” Roach added. “The have been hot and cold for a number of seasons the Warriors.”

At half-time in Fox Sports’ coverage, Mal Meninga said it was “a bit premature”.

“The coaches have got their necks in the noose, and they’re the fall guys for no success,” said Mal Meninga on Fox League’s coverage of the breaking news.

“To me, I just feel that it was a bit premature considering all the situations the Warriors have confronted this year alone. COVID-19, being away from families and I feel it was probably a bit harsh unless there was something a bit deeper.”

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has been stood down by the club.

After 79 games in charge, Kearney finishes with a win rate of 41.8 per cent, but the Warriors twice finished 13th and were currently 11th on the ladder ahead of next week’s clash with the Melbourne Storm.

New Zealand have been patchy in 2020, going win-loss for the four weeks since the return of the game but the 40-12 loss appears to have been the final straw.

But the call has left many stunned following the side’s hardship and sacrifice this season.

Horrendous

— Mathew Thompson (@MathewJThompson) June 20, 2020

After everything the Warriors have had to do in recent months sacking Kearney seems like a totally insane decision. #NRL

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) June 20, 2020

The Warriors quickly confirmed that current assistant coach Todd Payten would take over has Kearney’s interim replacement.

“Stephen was informed this morning that we needed to make an immediate change,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said in a statement.

“It’s a tough day for all of us particularly after last night’s performance.

“Stephen is extremely professional and has put in a huge amount of effort in the role but, along with the owners, we feel we need to make a change now in the best interests of the club.

“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 joined the Warriors in the 2017 season with the club making the finals in 2018.

Payten moved to the Warriors last season after working with the Cowboys, and was a member of the North Queensland staff during the club’s 2015 premiership.

He also won a grand final as a player with the Wests Tigers in 2005.