Andrew McFadden to keep Warriors role but other changes coming

Andrew McFadden during training at Mt Smart.

Former head coach Andrew McFadden will be re-signed at the Warriors as assistant for another year, though there are likely to be other changes within the coaching structure.

McFadden has been part of Stephen Kearney's coaching team since September last year, after being moved aside from the top job following the failure to make the top eight in the 2016 season.

McFadden's retention last year raised a few eyebrows, as it is highly unusual in the NRL - and indeed professional sport around the world - for a former head coach to remain involved at a club once he has lost his job.

Rick Stone, who stayed on at the Knights after Wayne Bennett took his job, is one of the few examples in the NRL, while there have been some football managers who have been moved 'upstairs' to a director type role but it's rare.

However Kearney pronounced himself happy with the arrangement, after the duo talked things over in Brisbane just before the long time Kiwis boss was unveiled as the new Warriors coach, and indicated that McFadden would be retained for the 2018 season.

"I've been really comfortable with Cappy and what he brings to the table," Kearney told the New Zealand Herald. "I think it has been fine. He's a smart football coach and has a lot to offer the club so I have been really comfortable with the situation."

At first it was a bit incongruous to see McFadden - who had been in charge for almost three seasons and 67 games - acting as one of the runners on game day, distributing water and advice to the players during the match.

But McFadden, who first came to Mt Smart in November 2012 as an assistant to Matthew Elliott, took his demotion on the chin, and it has been a credit to his professionalism that he has adapted quickly to the new role.

McFadden has also retained the respect of the playing group, which hasn't always happened with departed Warriors coaches in the past.

It remains an unusual situation, but Kearney is confident it is working.

Kearney also indicated that Stacey Jones would be retained, but there is likely to be a change to the coaching structure.

"I'm pretty comfortable with a couple of assistants, rather than three," said Kearney, referring to the prospect of replacing former assistant Steve MacNamara, who left to coach Catalans in June.

"But we are looking at potentially having another coach who is full time who looks after the reserve grade side but is helping the first grade too," added Kearney. "That's potentially the make-up of the coaching staff."

Ricky Henry has been in charge of the Warriors ISP outfit this season - with the team currently sitting in second place in the NSW Cup - but it's not a full time position.