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Brown already discussing roster overhaul at new club
New Zealand Warriors sign long-term replacement for Stephen Kearney.
www.nrl.com
The Warriors' search for a coach is over, with Nathan Brown formally announced to take the helm until the end of 2023.
Brown's signing was one of two made by the Warriors on Saturday - the club also announced Phil Gould's appointment as a club-wide consultant.
Speaking on Saturday, Brown said he is looking forward to the challenge.
"[I am] Very grateful for the opportunity. The Warriors have gone through a lean period of late but hopefully myself, Sully [Warriors recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan], the owners and Cameron George we can put the club into the winning lists for a long time," he said.
"One thing I’ve maintained was that the Warriors was a great opportunity for any coach.
"Getting the roster right is one area we need to improve. The Warriors have shown this year under very difficult circumstances they’ve got the players to take this club forward."
Brown, who has been working with the club as a consultant, will return to the coaching ranks after having departed the Knights during the 2019 season.
The main job at the Warriors will be Brown's fifth since he entered the coaching game in 2003 with St George Illawarra.
He coached the Dragons until 2008 before heading to England.
There, he spent time at Huddersfield (2009-2012) and St Helens (2013-2014) before returning to Australia.
In 2016 he started the tough job of rebuilding the Newcastle Knights. During his 94 matches in the Hunter he had a 26% winning rate, but did oversee a total rebuild of the playing roster.
Warriors CEO Cameron George said the addition of Gould to the club brains trust is a big move.
"This appointment is exceptionally significant and critical to the future of our business as a whole and equally to the game in general both in New Zealand and in Australia," he said.
"Phil is held in the highest regard as a rugby league expert both on and off the park.
"He has an extensive and successful coaching history and is highly sought after in the media through his roles with Channel 9 and other organisations.
"He also achieved so much in rebuilding the Penrith Panthers to where they are right now. He’ll play a huge role in helping to take us to a new level as a club."
