By 3 News online staff
The Warriors and head coach Brian ‘Bluey’ McClennan have mutually agreed to part ways – effective immediately.
Assistant coach Tony Iro will take over for the remaining two matches of the 2012 NRL season.
McClennan had been contracted until the end of the 2013 season, however after a disappointing season, it has been agreed an early release was in the best interests of the club.
Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said Iro will take over the role on an interim basis to prepare the team for their final regular season matches against the Dragons on Saturday night and Raiders next Sunday, September 2.
McClennan, appointed head coach last August, was ‘very disappointed’ his tenure hadn’t produced the results he expected.
“It was exciting coming into this job with the Vodafone Warriors and everyone has worked so hard to try to get the performances and results we all expected of ourselves,” he said.
“No one is more disappointed than me that things haven’t worked out. I gave it my best shot. I’ve put my heart and soul into this and everyone has been terrific with their efforts.
“I’ve always said I was driving the bus and I accept accountability. It stops with me.
“For whatever reason, we haven’t made the progress we all hoped for.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity the Vodafone Warriors gave me and wish the club all the best for the future.”
Scurrah said the team is equally disappointed in the loss of a “wonderful character”.
“He’s so passionate about rugby league and he’s put in an exceptional amount of time and effort into trying to turn the team’s fortunes around.
“He brought a lot of energy to the club and made a fantastic contribution off the field with his interaction with sponsors, members and in the community.
“We wish Brian and his family all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts.”
Scurrah said the club now had the opportunity to rebuild.
“Confidence is understandably low at a time like this following the results on the field from our NRL side,” he said.
“However, the club is in strong shape in all other areas. The Vodafone Junior Warriors are again performing well in the NYC while we’ve had a season of significant growth in terms of our crowd numbers, sponsorship revenue and membership numbers. We’ve also strengthened and developed our work in the community.
“Our resolve now is to rebuild, as we had to after a poor season in 2009. We’re confident we can recover quickly.”
The Warriors will now put a process in place to consider options for a new head coach.
3 News