New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster has confirmed he will become the longest-serving mentor in club history, signing a monster extension through to the end of 2032.
Webster was already contracted through to the end of 2028, but the club have elected to add four years to his tenure in charge of the Auckland-based outfit.
Originally moving to the Warriors ahead of 2023 after serving his apprenticeship as an assistant coach at the Penrith Panthers under a former Warriors coach, Ivan Cleary, Webster is already the most winning Warriors coach, claiming 57 per cent of games over the last four seasons.
Webster also spent two games in charge of the Wests Tigers in 2017 as interim coach, and also spent time as an assistant coach at Hull KR, the Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors, while he also coached at SG Ball level with Balmain, and NYC level with the Parramatta Eels.
The Warriors, who will play finals for the third time in four years this season, have no desire to see Webster leave the club, and he will eclipse the six-year reign of Ivan Cleary, who holds the club record as the longest-serving coach at this stage by four years, should he see out his deal to the end of 2032.
Webster, who will become only the second coach in club history to eclipse the 100-game mark in the coming weeks, said he was excited to remain at the club for the long-term.
“It's humbling to be able to secure my future here for this long,” Webster said.
“I'm super proud every game I get to be a head coach in the NRL. It's a dream, and to do it with this club and these players is extra special.
“I love this club, I have the greatest belief in what we can achieve, and I'm excited knowing I'm going to be here until 2032. I'm so grateful to have this opportunity.”
Warriors CEO Cameron George praised Webster as one of the best coaches in the game.
“From the moment he started with us, Andrew showed what a tremendous fit he was for the club and since then he has gone on to become one of the best head coaches in the NRL right now,” George said.
“He has achieved fantastic results, turning the One New Zealand Warriors into a consistent top eight side, one that everyone can be proud of.
“Andrew's contribution is about much more than results alone. He has galvanised us, setting in place a sustainable culture throughout the entire club.
“What he has also done is to turn good players into better players and to bring through some of the most exciting young players this club has ever seen.
“We have every confidence in Andrew taking the One New Zealand Warriors forward to be a real force in the NRL. We're so proud to have him with us until at least 2032.”
