NZ Warriors have reportedly settled on their new long-term head coach.
Newshub understands Penrith Panthers assistant Andrew Webster has inked a three-year deal to take charge from next season.
Webster, 40, will take over from interim coach Stacey Jones, who was promoted to the helm, after Nathan Brown's mid-season departure.
The Australian began his NRL coaching career at Auckland, spending two seasons as an assistant coach under Andrew McFadden from 2015-17.
He moved on to become an assistant at Wests Tigers - briefly acting as interim head coach, after Jason Taylor was sacked - before joining Ivan Cleary at the Panthers. He has one year remaining on his contract with the Panthers, but has an out-clause that allows him to leave early for a head-coaching position.
As an emerging head coach, Webster fits the Warriors bill. He's largely credited for implementing the Panthers' competition-leading attack that's made them one of the NRL's most formidable forces, making consecutive Grand Finals and winning last year's premiership.
He's also part of Toa Samoa's coaching staff for the World Cup in England, which starts in October.
Webster is expected to be officially announced as head coach in the coming days.
"We'll be making a decision on that in the very near future," said chief executive Cam George on Wednesday. "We're close to making that decision and we look forward to that announcement."
Alongside St Helens and Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, Webster was one of the Warriors' primary targets for the position. Woolf ultimately rebuffed their advances, with both NRL newcomers Redcliffe Dolphins and Wests Tigers still chasing his services.
Webster's appointment is the latest move of many in a tumultuous week for the Warriors. On Wednesday, they confirmed star fullback Reece Walsh had been granted an early release from his contract - opening the door for his return to Brisbane Broncos - while also announcing Canberra Raiders star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will rejoin them on a three-year deal.
The 13th-placed Warriors are currently 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.
