Just getting started: Webster signs long-term Warriors extension

The New Zealand Warriors have extended Andrew Webster with a new long-term deal that will keep the club’s head coach running the show across the Tasman until to end of the 2028 NRL season.

Webster, who was crowned coach of the year at the Dally M Awards last month, guided the club to a 17-10 record across the regular season, which is the second-best the team has ever run.

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In the postseason, the 41-year-old and his Warriors squad made it all the way to the preliminary finals before falling to the Brisbane Broncos in a 42-12 defeat at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos went on to lose the grand final to the Penrith Panthers, 26-24, as the Sydney club tied up its third rugby league premiership in a row.

Webster was already signed to 2025 before this deal was inked.

The three extra years are a show of faith from the Warriors to Webster, and vice versa, with the club’s top boss admitting he “never wanted to leave in the first place.”

“It was great being here as an assistant when I was at the club the first time and it’s even better now,” he said. ““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.”

The Warriors helmsman started his coaching career leading junior clubs for the Eels and Tigers before eventually joining the Warriors as Andrew McFadden’s assistant in 2015. He moved back to the Wests Tigers in 2017 where he linked up with Ivan Cleary. He then followed Cleary to the Panthers in 2020 and joined the Warriors in 2023.

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In August, Webster also famously declared his goal is “to be here forever.”