Warriors announce new coach

Published 10:11am 8 July 2022

Words by Kylie Knight

Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George has today confirmed Andrew Webster has signed a three-year contract to return to the club as the new head coach from next season.

The 40-year-old will join the Vodafone Warriors from the Penrith Panthers where he was an integral part of their 2021 NRL premiership success as an assistant coach.

Webster began his coaching career as a 23-year-old and quickly progressed in the next six seasons as assistant coach at the Hull Kingston Rovers in the English Super League.

He returned home to Australia in 2012 progressing through the ranks at the Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and the Vodafone Warriors en route to his current position with Penrith.

Webster’s first link with the Vodafone Warriors was in the 2015 and 2016 seasons when he worked with head coach Andrew McFadden.

“Andrew has a great understanding of the Vodafone Warriors from his time here. He truly believes in what our club has, our values, what we stand for and where we can go,” George says.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to secure a coach of his calibre.

“He has terrific experience at three clubs, not least at the Penrith Panthers where he played such a critical role in helping them to the premiership last season.

“He’s extremely well thought of as a coach with a huge future in the NRL and comes highly recommended by Ivan Cleary.”

Webster says he’s elated about the opportunity to return to Mount Smart Stadium.

“I’m excited and honoured about becoming head coach at the Vodafone Warriors,” he says.

“I loved my time in Auckland when I was last there and I’m really looking forward to making it home again.

“I feel we have a real opportunity to progress the club and I can’t wait to hit the ground in November.”

ANDREW WEBSTER

Date of birth: January 17, 1982

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW

Current position: Penrith Panthers assistant coach 2021-2022

Previous appointments:

Toa Samoa assistant coach 2022

Wests Tigers NRL assistant coach 2017-2020