NZ Warriors will reportedly move to secure the long-term future of coach Andrew Webster, with a new contract to be tabled after the current NRL campaign.
Webster, 41, has been arguably the standout coach so far this season, steering the Warriors to third on the ladder - rebounding from the club's worst season on record in 2022.
Despite less than 12 months having passed on his contract, Sydney Morning Herald reports Warriors management want to see Webster's tenure at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart extended even further.
So far, the Warriors have won 13 games from 20 played this year, odds-on to return to the NRL finals for the first time since 2018, if not secure a top four spot to open the post-season at home.
On the recommendation of former coach Ivan Cleary, Webster signed a three-year contract with the Warriors midway through last year, committed to the Kiwi club to the end of the 2025 NRL season.
Webster came to the Warriors' attention after working as an assistant to Cleary at Penrith Panthers, where they won back to back NRL premierships in 2021 and 2022.
The end of 2022 saw both Webster and fellow Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo leave the club to become head coaches.
But while Webster has flourished, Ciraldo has initially struggled with Canterbury, sitting 15th of 17 teams, with just seven wins and 13 defeats from their 20 games.
Webster's efforts so far this season will likely see him contend for the NRL's Dally M award for the best coach of the season, while halfback Shaun Johnson will contend for the award for the league's best player after a stellar string of performances.
