The NZ Warriors are expected to appoint Nathan Brown as its new coach, according to a 7 News report.
The report comes days after interim Todd Payten turned down an opportunity to coach the team on a full-time basis.
If Brown is appointed coach, it will be his third NRL head coaching role, having previously worked with the St George Illawarra Dragons (2004-08) and Newcastle Knights (2016-19).
Earlier this year, Brown worked with the Warriors in a consulting role before being cut during the COVID-19 crisis.
When Stephen Kearney was sacked in June, Brown was tipped to get the job, but ruled himself out.
Now he's had a chance of heart.
Payten announced earlier this week he's interested in pursuing the recently vacated role at North Queensland Cowboys, confirming he turned down an offer from the Warriors last week.
"I told the club that I'm going to turn it down," he said on NRL 360. "It just wasn't the right opportunity for my family and myself at this time.
"It was not an easy decision, something I agonised over for a few days but in the end, it was the first time I put my family first in a decision. It just wasn't the right time."
Several coaches were linked to the Warriors role, including former North Queensland Cowboys boss Paul Green and former Penrith Panthers coach Anthony Griffin.
Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck said Payten's decision not to continue as coach made the team feel "pretty gutted".
"The way he’s been going so far, the way he stepped in and everything he's done for us at the moment, it's been awesome but again we respect the decision he's made," he said, according to 7 News.
Join us at 8pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors v Sea Eagles NRL clash
