NRL: Ackland stepping down as Junior Warriors coach

John Ackland. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Junior Warriors coach John Ackland has advised the club he will not be seeking an extension of his contract for the 2014 season and beyond.

Ackland has been in the role since 2010 after a term as NRL assistant coach from 2006-2009.

He coached the Vodafone Junior Warriors to reach the NYC finals in 2010, 2011 and 2012, including winning the Toyota Cup premiership in both 2010 and 2011.

Ackland, who was part of the club's foundation coaching staff in 1995, returned to the Vodafone Warriors in 2004.

"John has confirmed his intention to move on at the end of the 2013 season," said Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah.

"We respect his decision and wish him well for the future. John has made a significant contribution to the club and will continue to do so through to the end of this season. We will all be doing our utmost to support him in finishing his tenure in the best possible way as our NYC coach."

After receiving Ackland's advice, Scurrah said the club immediately began the process to appoint the new Vodafone Junior Warriors coach and anticipates an announcement soon.

"When Matt Elliott was appointed (as head coach) last October he had some definite ideas on how we could further improve our overall recruitment and development structure," he said.

"Matt and (general manager football) Dean Bell are reviewing the current structure and future plans. As well as announcing the new NYC coach we will also be in a position to reveal details of this in the near future."

Scurrah added it was crucial the Warriors continued to recruit the best talent available and to also further improve how the club develops young players into NRL professionals.