New deal to make Kearney Warriors' longest-serving coach

Stephen Kearney is set to become the longest-serving coach in the Warriors' history with a three-year extension announced on Tuesday morning.

Kearney is now contracted until the end of 2022, reward for guiding the Warriors to their first finals appearance seven seasons last year.

Having started his tenure at the club in 2016, should he see out his contract he would join Ivan Cleary with six seasons at the helm of the Kiwi franchise, a welcome change from the 11 coaches the Warriors have had since inception in 1995.

"Securing Stephen for another three years is a huge boost for us as we prepare to begin our 25th season in the competition," Warriors CEO Cameron George said.

"We haven't enjoyed a lot of stability as an organisation, especially in the coaching area. Without stability in our football department it's extremely challenging to improve and to achieve continuity.

"It's vital to have the right people in the right roles and in Stephen we have someone who absolutely fits what we need. He has all the characteristics you would want as both a coach and a person."

With a culture and roster overhaul that has seen Shaun Johnson headline a raft of departures, Kearney has gone all-in to turn around one of the few outfits still chasing a maiden NRL title.

He has spent the last two seasons living away from his family, who remained in Brisbane, where he previously served as Wayne Bennett's assistant.

The Warriors new commitment is a far cry from Kearney's previous NRL posting, a disastrous 18-month stint at Parramatta that ended in his sacking.

“When I first came back to the club, I was honoured to be given the opportunity to help the club move forward and improve,” Kearney, who played four seasons for the Warriors in a glittering 264-game career, said.

“I’m pleased to have my future sorted out with this new contract and to know I’ll be with the club for a few more years.

“We made progress last season but, to be honest, the focus for me is always what’s next for us and that’s preparing for this week’s trial against Wests Tigers in Whangarei.”