NZ Warriors have confirmed the appointment of Andrew Webster as the club's new coach from next season, after signing a three-year contract with the Auckland club.
Webster, 40, returns to the Warriors as head coach, after working as an assistant to Andrew McFadden from 2015-17.
Since then, he has also worked as interim coach at Wests Tigers, after the sacking of Jason Taylor, and an assistant coach to Ivan Cleary at Penrith Panthers, winning the 2021 NRL premiership.
Webster will see out the current NRL season with te Panthers, before linking with the Warriors for 2023.
"I'm excited and honoured about becoming head coach at the Vodafone Warriors," Webster said. "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."
At an international level, Webster will also serve as assistant coach with Toa Samoa at this year's Rugby League World Cup in the UK.
Webster's appointment is the latest development in a tumultuous week for the Warriors.
The club also confirmed star fullback Reece Walsh had been granted an early release from his contract - opening the door for his return to Brisbane Broncos - while announcing Canberra Raiders star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad would return on a three-year deal.
Chief executive Cameron George heralds the appointment of Webster, who brings a strong understanding of the club, after his first stint in Auckland.
"Andrew has a great understanding of the Warriors from his time here," said George. "He truly believes in what our club has, our values, what we stand for and where we can go.
"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."
The 13th-placed Warriors are on a bye week and will try to back up last weekend's homecoming win over the Tigers with a second-straight victory, when they take on Parramatta Eels next Friday.
