News Warriors snubbed by Kristian Woolf despite owner’s UK visit

2144superman

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Warriors snubbed by top target Kristian Woolf despite owner’s UK visit


The NZ Warriors have copped a major blow in their coaching search, with top target Kristian Woolf reportedly rejecting an offer to take the reins at the Kiwi club.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Woolf turned down a hefty multi-year deal to become the club’s next head coach.

Warriors owner Mark Robinson flew to England to meet with the St Helens boss earlier this month, the outlet reports, but has since seen his offer rebuffed.


Woolf has won two consecutive Premierships and is firmly in the race to make it three-straight at the Super League franchise, and has also impressed on the international stage in charge of Tonga.

But the 46-year-old from Mount Isa is reportedly keen to return to Australia at season’s end, and is in talks with the Dolphins to become an assistant to Wayne Bennett at the NRL’s expansion club for 2023.

With in-demand Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo having declared himself out of contention for the Warriors role – as has Shane Flanagan – the New Zealand side remains focused on finding another young coach w
Meanwhile, the news is a boost for the Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs, who are both also without a head coach after sacking their own strategists this campaign.

After the Tigers tabled a five-year offer to Ciraldo, the Bulldogs have been more strongly linked to a move for Woolf, who will lead Tonga’s World Cup assault in October.

ho can take the step up to the head coaching position. Interim boss Stacey Jones remains unlikely to be handed the job long-term.

The Bulldogs were reportedly wary of matching that five-year proposal, according to News Corp journalist Dave Riccio. Riccio told NRL 360: “There’s suggestions that (Bulldogs football GM) Gus (Gould) has held talks with or is in the process of having talks with Kristian Woolf so clearly the Dogs are looking at other options as well.

“I’ve also heard that they’re not willing to go to that five-year term because they don’t want to invest in a rookie coach for that length of time.”

Gould has since denied talking to any coach, or planning to in the near future.


 

Dognacious

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I only have 2 that I'd consider. Flanagan and Potter if he keeps us playing like we have lately for the rest of the year.
 
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