John Boe has quit as the Counties Manukau coach to concentrate on organising Manu Samoa's World Cup campaign.
The former All Blacks first five-eighth, Waikato coach and player was secured by the Steelers to try to reclaim their NPC first division place, after being relegated last year.
But theunion, which faces searching questions, including those about moving from Pukekohe to a new stadium in Manukau, have been dealt another blow by Boe's departure.
First division status is vital to the Steelers who for now have clung to leading players - apart from Loki Crichton (to Waikato) and Blair Feeney (Otago) - after losing many others in recent years.
Now Boe, who replaced Andrew Talaimanu, has departed before a ball is kicked in anger.
"The union tried to change my mind ... but Samoa have been very good to me. I have regrets about this, but I've found I can't do both jobs," Boe said yesterday.
"Counties Manukau can be a first division team, but it will be tough. There is strong competition. They've lost a lot of players and there are a lot of issues to address."
Boe also coaches for the New Zealand Rugby Union and Murray Mexted's academy, and owns motels. He has recommended that assistant Mike Turner, the former Ponsonby hooker and Thames Valley coach, takes over the Steelers.
Boe's Samoan assistant is the legendary All Blacks flanker Michael Jones, and Va'aiga Tuigamala might also help if his playing days are over.
They face a tough task preparing a strong side for the World Cup next year, especially as they battle to have players such as the Samoan-born Crichton available.
Boe said Chiefs fullback Crichton and others feared their Super 12 contracts would be jeopardised because the NZRFU prefers All Blacks-eligible players.
