League: Campion to leave Warriors

New Zealand Warriors skills coach Kevin Campion will leave the NRL club in December for personal reasons.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah today announced family reasons were behind Campion's decision to return to Queensland little more than a year after joining in an assistant role.

"It's unexpected and we're disappointed to lose him but we respect Kevin's wishes," Scurrah said.

"He has done a tremendous job since returning to the club to join the coaching staff last year. He's held in such regard here."

Campion said he was sad to be leaving the club.

"I loved my time as a player with the Vodafone Warriors (in 2001 and 2002) and I've enjoyed the coaching experience as well but I need to go home," he said.

The 34-year-old returned to Ericsson Stadium in October last year to join former Warriors' teammate Ivan Cleary on the club's coaching staff.

Both players were part of the 2002 Warriors who reached the grand final, Campion cementing his reputation as a hard-nosed, defence-minded lock.

Cleary, who officially began his career as Warriors head coach today, was sad to learn Campion would be leaving.

"It caught me by surprise," he said.

"I was looking forward to working with him again but I understand why he had to make his decision."

Campion will continue in his role until the Warriors finish their pre-Christmas training programme on December 16.

Cleary said he would give consideration to a replacement in coming weeks.

- NZPA