NRL: Kearney touted to replace Anderson

Stephen Kearney. Photo / APN

SYDNEY - Former New Zealand Warriors and Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson's tenure at Parramatta is reportedly under threat again with current New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney firming as his likely successor at the NRL club.

Anderson's future is likely to be resolved at a board meeting tomorrow after Sydney-based media outlets yesterday claimed a post-season review had been critical of the Australian.

Kearney, Craig Bellamy's assistant at the Melbourne Storm, was sounded out for the head coaching role by Eels chief executive Paul Osborne in August as Parramatta, who made last year's grand final in Anderson's first year in charge, floundered.

The Eels, installed as premiership favourites before the season began, eventually finished 12th to heap pressure on Anderson, who is contracted until the end of 2011.

Rumours of Anderson's impending demise coincide with allegations he was involved in a racial vilification issue with Warriors-bound utility Feleti Mateo.

A Sydney radio station claimed Mateo would make an official complaint if Anderson was retained.

However, Mateo denied the report.

"That is absolutely not true. I spoke with Ando today to clarify this and there is no issue.

"There has been no racial comments that have upset me, let alone been anything I have complained to the club about. Nothing of the sort has anything to do with me leaving to play with the Warriors."

While Osborne also denied there was a problem between Mateo and Anderson, the coach's performance was a focal point of a post-season review by the board.

Glenn Duncan, a recent appointee to the board, told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper he favoured Kearney taking over.

"Unless I'm convinced otherwise [at the board meeting], I believe that's the right thing for the club to do," Duncan said.

"To me, Kearney would be a good choice and he could implement the structure the club needs.

"I think the position is untenable for Daniel to stay ... sometimes you've got to make these decisions for the club to move forward."

Kearney has refused to comment on any dealings with the Eels.

- NZPA