NRL: Warriors considering adding a Football Director in 2018

Warriors coaching staff Andrew McFadden, Stacey Jones and head coach Stephen Kearney. Photo / Photosport

New Warriors boss Cameron George has confirmed the club is considering introducing a new Football Director role as they look to drag themselves out of the mire ahead of next season.

Having missed the NRL finals for a sixth straight year the club is looking to rebuild the Warriors into a genuine top eight side and considering ways to provide increased support and resources to head coach Stephen Kearney.

Following Sunday's last round clash against Wests Tigers in Sydney, Warriors management will begin a thorough review of all aspects of their business and football departments, but have already discussed installing an experienced campaigner to oversee all of the club's football operations.

The Football Director would take a leading role in player recruitment and development, and liaise with Kearney, George, assistant coaches Stacey Jones and Andrew McFadden, and recruitment manager Tony Iro, on all key decisions.

"Rest assured, it's not only being just looked at, it's being explored," said George, who last week replaced former managing director Jim Doyle as the Warriors new CEO.

"For me, it's purely about doing whatever we need to do to ensure that we have the right structure in place to provide a no excuse environment.

"They (Football Directors) play a significant role, in recruitment and development, not just what we're doing on the park. It's all pathways leading to be a NRL player with the Warriors.

"Where that ends up in year one will be better than where we're at now because we're possibly stretched in resources in that area.

"So we need to have a look at ways we can invest in those areas and put a mindset in place to drive change."

Following last year's 10th place finish, the Warriors announced the formation of a Football Advisory Board, enlisting former All Blacks World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry, experienced NFL coach Eric Mangini, former Warriors forward Awen Guttenbeil, board director Owen Eastwood, Les Archer, and Doyle, to oversee the club's football department.

The group met once a month throughout this season, but while it's understood they provided Kearney with some good guidance and input, their influence failed to translate into improved on-field performances.

Kearney is open to having a Football Director work alongside him, having previously served at Melbourne Storm (2006-2010) as an assistant to head coach Craig Bellamy - who is closely aided by Frank Ponissi - one of the best Football Directors in the business.

"That's something we're working through at the moment," said Kearney.

"We're looking at the whole business, in the sense of how can we be better, and if that's one area that can do with improvement then we'll certainly look at that."

Departing Warriors second-rower Ryan Hoffman has also enjoyed a long association with Ponissi, having played 11 years across two stints at the Storm. The 304 game veteran believes the Warriors could benefit from making a similar appointment.

"It's shown at Melbourne that the Football Director's role has been beneficial," said Hoffman.

"Basically that role is just taking all of the other worries away from the head coach so all the head coach has to worry about is coaching the football team. Frank handles everything else and all Craig has to worry about is coaching the football team.

"I certainly think it would be beneficial."

Hoffman is considering an offer to finish his career back at Melbourne and has expressed a desire to learn from Ponissi and potentially succeed him as the club's Head of Football.

"Definitely. Over the years, because I didn't know what I wanted to do post-football, seeing how Frank works, I see that as a role that I would like to take on," he said.

"I don't see myself as a coach but I see myself as a person that could have a benefit to the game in an administrative role."