The Warriors - under new ownership - could become a juggernaut in the NRL, according to the former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe. Photo / Photosport
The Warriors - under new ownership - could become a juggernaut in the NRL, according to the former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe. Photo / Photosport
Graham Lowe says he has not discussed any future role at the Warriors, after the club's takeover by the Carlaw Heritage Trust.
The former Kiwis coach also dismissed suggestions that he could be seen as a "threat" to the current senior staff, given his long history of various high profile roles in the sport.
Lowe has acted as an adviser to Auckland Rugby League chairman Cameron McGregor throughout the sale process, which was finalised on Wednesday.
The 71-year-old, who has been the head coach (1990-92) and CEO (2010-2011) at Manly, as well as coach of the North Queensland Cowboys for a season (1996) and a previous part-owner of the Warriors (1999-2000), said he wasn't involved for personal gain or self-interest.
"I haven't really considered anything like that," said Lowe.
There have already been rumours in league circles that Lowe wants to have input in the football department, perhaps in a head of football-type role, one currently held by Brian Smith, but Lowe is adamant he has no agenda, nor strong desire to be involved at the coalface.
"I'm too old to coach because I would run out of puff going down the tunnel," laughed Lowe. "I have not thought about anything like [a football role].
"I know some might find that difficult to believe but I am sure Cameron [McGregor] and Mark [Robinson, Autex CEO] will tell you the same thing. That has not been part of any discussions.
"The last thing I want to be seen as is a threat ... to anybody. I'm a rugby league person first and foremost and I've known for many, many years, long before the Warriors came along, that Auckland had the potential to become a juggernaut if the right things were put in place.
"Whether I have any role depends on what Cameron and Mark want me to do. It doesn't worry me. The important thing as far as Graham Lowe is concerned is that this is across the line, and it's a different opportunity for the Warriors."
Lowe may currently be ambivalent about a future role, but his past record indicates he will find it difficult to ignore any potential opportunities.
Graham Lowe insists he has no plans to be involved in a football role. Photo / Photosport
Despite a number of health problems over the years and at an age when most are slowing down, just last year he was unveiled as the new owner of troubled English club Bradford Bulls, alongside former New Zealand Rugby League CEO Andrew Chalmers.
He's never shied from a challenge, nor shrunk from the spotlight.
Lowe first became involved over a coffee with McGregor last August, when news of Eric Watson's willingness to sell the Warriors became public.
"Cameron asked me what I thought about the whole thing and it went from there really," said Lowe. "I spoke to Wayne Scurrah, I spoke to Autex and it seemed like a perfect fit."
Lowe sees Wednesday's transition as a major turning point for the sport, invoking memories of former NZRL and ARL CEO George Rainey.
"This to me is like a George Rainey moment ... but maybe bigger," said Lowe. "When George Rainey bought Carlaw Park [in 1974, for $200,000] that took vision and this is taking an even broader vision.
"I see the makings of a juggernaut, like I witnessed in Brisbane. I'm not suggesting it is going to be easy, and I am not suggesting any disrespect for those who have been there in the past, but the opportunities for the game and the club now are memerising
"Change some puts people on edge, but this is the best change I've seen in the game. All of the other NRL clubs will think the base of the Warriors will be strengthened, and now there is a stronger connection than ever to that talent. It's frightening how good it could be."
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