NZ Warriors have trimmed their list of potential coaches, after informing Ben and Shane Walker they are out of the race to replace Stephen Kearney.
News Corp Australia reports recently departed Cowboys boss Paul Green is shortening in odds to resurrect his career at the struggling Auckland-based club.
Just 24 hours after TVNZ reported former Manly coach Geoff Toovey was out of the running, chief executive Cameron George has informed the Walker brothers that they were unsuccessful in their application.
Despite reports the duo had signed a one-year deal last week, the club was quick to quash the rumours, although they confirmed the brothers were interviewed for the vacant role.
"We haven’t got the job," Shane Walker told News Corp. "It’s very disappointing, we thought we were right in the mix.
"We had a job interview and we put forward our case, but I understand the reason why decisions are made, and we have no angst or anger at all towards the Warriors’ management.
"We had already started to compile a list of players we would target and our plans on how to turn the Warriors around, but unfortunately we won’t get that chance."
The Walkers recently ended a near-decade-long reign at the helm of the Ipswich Jets in the Intrust Super Cup, winning a title in 2015 with the lightest budget in the league.
"We're still hopeful a chance will come up," Walker says.
"Hopefully, one day, there will be a club board or an owner who have the confidence to back their judgment on us."
Newshub contacted George for comment, but he refused to discuss any matter in relation to the vacant coaching role.
With the list of contenders shrinking, the Warriors look close to a decision on who will be tasked with turning the club's fortunes around.
Interim coach Todd Payten is keen for the full-time gig, while former Wigan mentor Shaun Wane and Penrith Panthers boss Anthony Griffin, have also been linked to the role
But a 2015 NRL Premiership with the Cowboys might be enough to give Green a chance at coaching redemption.
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