Never wanted to leave’: Webster signs bumper extension as Warriors set up ‘sustained success’
Warriors head coach Andrew Webster has signed a bumper contract extension, signing on to coach the New Zealand club until the end of the 2028 season.
The former Panthers assistant’s initial contract ran until the end of 2025, but now he has agreed to remain at the helm for a further three seyears.
Webster’s contract now puts him in line to equal the club’s longest coaching tenure, with Ivan Cleary also being in charge for six seasons.
“Andrew has confirmed to us that he’s the right fit for our club and his skills as a coach are what we need to cement our long-term development through our pathways,” chief executive Cameron George said in a statement.
“He did an extremely good job this season and we have every confidence that he’ll continue to grow into the role.
“Both Andrew and I share the same vision, passion and commitment for success at our club on all levels.
“Another important element of extending his contract is that the stars of the future can see stability in long-term planning in the head coaching role.
“And they see a coach who is driven to develop players of all age groups to become NRL players of the future for the Warriors.”
Webster’s first year in charge of New Zealand came with huge success, leading the Warriors all the way to the preliminary finals.
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They also recorded a 17-10 record, the second equal best the club has ever been able to achieve in a single season.
“I never wanted to leave in the first place so now I get to lock up the future which I’m really grateful for,” Webster said.
“It was great being here as an assistant when I was at the club the first time and it’s even better now.
“There’s a bright future from our pathways through to our NRL roster and especially in the front office with Mark (Robinson) and Cameron (George).
“I truly feel we will have sustained success.”
Webster earned the Dally M Coach of the Year award in 2023, beating out both Ivan Cleary and Kevin Walters whose teams clashed in the grand final.
