NRL: Major overhaul for Warriors

Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah said that a complete coaching restructure of the club will come with the announcement of a new coach next week. Photo / Getty Images.

A complete coaching restructure of the Warriors will come with the announcement of a new coach next week according to CEO Wayne Scurrah.

In an interview with Radio Sport this morning, Scurrah confirmed the major overhaul which is likely to include a high performance manager or a football director job at the club, similar to the role Phil Gould had with the Panthers this year.

"Eric (Watson) and Owen (Glenn) are totally committed and have added substantial resources to the club. It won't just be a coach appointed," Scurrah said.

"Nothing is confirmed until someone has signed a contract but we are working toward having the new coach named by next week."

Scurrah would not speculate over which coaches had been shortlisted for the position, but noted that he was comfortable with the Warriors' final candidates.

David Kidwell and Tim Sheens appear to be frontrunners for the head coaching role, after an early push for Storm coach Craig Bellamy appears to have gone cold.

"We said that we would get the best coach that we could and the coaches have to be available and be willing, but we are certainly making good progress. The chosen coach will have a lot of input into the final structure."

Scurrah said that there had been an overwhelmingly positive view of the Warriors from applicants approached on the other side of the Tasman.

"People look at the roster and say it's one of the best rosters out there, we have a terrific nursery, even things like the stadium development and potential to do more around the country. It's an exciting franchise with a lot going for it."

Scurrah also moved to quell fears of a proposed move away from the Warriors home base of Mt Smart Stadium.

"We are looking to play a game at Eden Park next year, but certainly the bulk of our games will be at Mt Smart Stadium, so don't panic," he said.

The five week coach-hunt to replace Brian McClennan has proved a tricky task for the Auckland franchise with Tony Iro, Matt Parish, Justin Morgan, Stephen Kearney and Brian Smith all linked with the job in recent weeks.

-nzherald.co.nz