NRL: Iro inks new deal with club

The Warriors have named Tony Iro as one of head coach Andrew McFadden's two new assistants. Photo / Getty Images

It's often said in sport you should never go back but Tony Iro has done just that, electing to return to the Warriors as assistant coach.

Iro was confirmed yesterday as one of two new assistants under Andrew McFadden for the 2015 season, after the departure last week of both Ricky Henry and Adam Mogg. McFadden's other assistant is yet to be announced.

Iro will fulfil his Kiwis commitments - he's NZRL general manager of high performance as well as Kiwis team manager - for the upcoming Four Nations before returning to Mt Smart.

It's a significant move for Iro, who left the club in difficult circumstances at the end of the 2012 season. Having already been overlooked once in favour of Brian McClennan, he then watched as the club conducted a drawn-out version of Coaching Idol, before settling on the surprise choice of Matt Elliott.

Iro, who was backed by the players, had little choice but to leave after the board's bizarre decision. Interestingly, that was also probably the kiss of death for Elliott, who struggled from the start to relate to his squad - it might have been very different with the experience and knowledge of Iro in his corner.

Iro has done well in the NZRL role, expanding and accelerating the programmes put in place by Tony Kemp, but coaching is in his blood. It was never going to take much to swap his desk-bound role for a clipboard and whistle.

"I've enjoyed my two years with the NZRL working with the Kiwis and in the high performance area but I always wanted to coach in the NRL again," Iro said. "I've got strong ties with the Warriors and couldn't be more excited about returning."

Iro brings extensive experience. He played 184 NRL games for five different clubs between 1990-99 and has filled a variety of coaching roles since first joining the Warriors in 2005. The 47-year-old has a close bond with many of the current squad, from his time as NYC coach (2008-09), NRL assistant coach (2010-12) and Kiwis assistant coach (2006-07, 2009-10).

"He has a great affinity with the club and he's familiar with most of our players, having helped to develop and coach them in the time he was with us previously," said Warriors general manager football Dean Bell. "He's a perfect fit for us, giving Cappy [McFadden] the experienced coaching support he was looking for."

McFadden agrees. "Tony is an ideal choice, just the sort of person I need," he said.

It's also good news for the sport in New Zealand. There's a lack of experienced coaches in the country and the shift maintains Iro's ambition to be an NRL head coach.

Tony Iro

• NZRL general manager high performance 2012-14
• Warriors acting head coach 2012 (2 games)
• Warriors assistant coach 2010-12
• Kiwis assistant coach 2006-07, 2009-10
• Junior Warriors NYC coach 2008-09
• Iro has also served as Auckland Lions NSW assistant coach (2007), Warriors development coach (2006-07) and New Zealand A coach (2005-06)

Playing Record

184 NRL Games:

• Manly Sea Eagles 70 (1990-93)
• Sydney Roosters 60 (1994-96)
• Hunter Mariners 14 (1997)
• Adelaide Rams 20 (1998)
• Souths Rabbitohs 20 (1999)
• 25 tests for Kiwis (1988-98)