NRL: Kearney appointed Eels coach

Stephen Kearney. Photo / Getty Images

The worst kept secret in the National Rugby League (NRL) was confirmed today as the Parramatta Eels today unveiled Stephen Kearney as their head coach for the next three years.

Kearney replaces former Kiwis and New Zealand Warriors coach Daniel Anderson who was sacked on September 26 after the Eels, who started the NRL season as premiership favourites, slumped to a disappointing 12th.

Kearney was officially released last week by the Melbourne Storm, where he had been Craig Bellamy's assistant since 2006.

The former Kiwis international confirmed his commitments as coach of the New Zealand rugby league team would dovetail with his new role.

Kearney had been sounded out for the role in August and committed to his first head coaching role after meeting the Parramatta Eels board of directors last Tuesday.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity of working with such a great club with a strong tradition," Kearney said.

"The main priority for me is the next seven weeks. We start training on the first of November and our focus is making sure we work hard during the pre-season and putting in structures and processes in to make us a competitive team for the 2011 season."

Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne was delighted with Kearney's appointment.

"Stephen Kearney brings a wealth of experience as a coach and player to the club and is universally respected and admired in Australia, New Zealand and Britain," he said.

Kearney played 264 first grade games in Australia over 13 seasons from 1992-2004 for Wests, Auckland Warriors and Melbourne Storm, before finishing his career with a season with Hull in the English Super League.

He returns at the weekend to New Zealand, where the Kiwis assemble to start their preparations for the upcoming Four Nations tournament involving the Kangaroos, England and Papua New Guinea.

- NZPA