Kearney's reign extended.

Source: http://ift.tt/1FXDBIN

Quote:

The New Zealand Rugby League will on Friday announce an extension to Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney's contract, to take him through to the 2017 World Cup. Kearney has held the post since 2008, taking over from Gary Kemble, and he guided the national team to World Cup glory that year, but had to reapply for his position at the end of the failed 2013 World Cup campaign. At that tournament the Kiwis played in a sensational game, beating England 20-18 in the semifinal at Wembley Stadium, but were thrashed 34-2 by the Kangaroos in the final at Old Trafford. It later emerged that a number of players were mixing sleeping pills and energy drinks during the tournament, which affected performances. Kearney had to survive an arduous review of the World Cup and was also told he'd have to reapply for his job. He beat out three other candidates who were also interviewed at the time, but was only given a two-year contract. This was because the NZRL wanted a chance to see how he could re-establish the culture of the Kiwis, which had been so badly damaged at that World Cup. Kearney got rid of some of the "high maintenance" players from that squad and there was a far better atmosphere in the team last year. Not only that, but on field performances also improved markedly. In the Anzac test last May, Kearney had to field an inexperienced side because of injuries, but the team put in a gutsy effort in the 30-18 defeat. Ad Feedback This was followed at the end of the year by the Kiwis winning the Four Nations, defeating Australia twice along the way, in Brisbane and Wellington. Kearney is also the assistant coach at the Broncos, who play the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday and the decision to continue with the Kiwis may mean any plans to be the head coach at an NRL club are put on hold in the meantime. Kearney previously coached the Eels while also holding the Kiwis job and led the club to just 10 wins from 42 games.

So what do you all think? Personally, my opinion of him rose after the 4 nations last year.

Kearney's reign extended.