Former Manly Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey has confirmed he's interested in replacing Stephen Kearney as head coach of the NZ Warriors.
On Saturday, Warriors management told Kearney his time as head coach was up less than 24 hours after their 40-12 defeat to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and he struggled to hold back tears telling his staff and players later that day.
The decision was met with plenty of criticism, due to the challenges the team has faced this year from the coronavirus pandemic.
Assistant Todd Payten has taken over the reigns for the remainder of the eason, with the Warriors sitting 13th on the NRL ladder with a 2-4 record.
Many pundits, including Sir Graham Lowe, believe the Warriors should target Toovey and the 51-year-old told TVNZ he's interested in the job.
"I think any coach worth his salt would love the job," he says.
"Such a plethora of athletes over in New Zealand and the South Pacific. I'd love to get my hands on a couple of them and get the best out of them
"There’s a plethora of talent there, it's just getting the best out of that every week, I think that’s the challenge but jeez it would be an exciting challenge."
Toovey coached the Sea Eagles from 2012-15, helping them reach the 2013 NRL Grand Final. He also coached the Bradford Bulls in the Rugby Football League Championship in 2017.
He also applied for the Kiwis job in 2018, but was beaten out by Michael Maguire.
Meanwhile a report from The Australian says the likes of Tim Sheens, Craig Fitzgibbon, Jason Ryles and Nathan Brown - who worked as an consultant in the Warriors 2020 preseason - are reportedly interested in the role, but haven't spoken publicly on the rumours.
Manager Wayne Beavis, who looks after the likes of Anthony Griffin and Trent Barrett, has also reached out to the club.
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