Andrew Webster knew precisely where his first token of gratitude would be directed, as he accepted the Coach of the Year prize at the NRL Dally M awards in Sydney.
The Australian's impact at Mt Smart in his first season has been astounding, as he spearheaded a remarkable reversal that saw the Auckland-based club rise from second-to-last place to the brink of a Grand Final return.
After congratulatory hugs, Webster strolled to the stage and immediately offered heartfelt appreciation for "the most beautiful woman in the room" - wife Emma - and the sacrifice she'd made to help him to this point.
"She's a good sort," he said. "Knows nothing about football, which is the best thing about it, but she's let me chase my dreams.
"Moved countries, become a head coach and have your first baby in a different country. You're a champ Em and I love you."
He beat out both Grand Final coaches - Kevin Walters of Brisbane Broncos and former Penrith Panthers mentor Ivan Cleary, whom he served as an assistant for two years.
Webster first joined the Warriors as an assistant coach under Andrew McFadden in 2015, when he and his family got a taste for life in New Zealand. He moved to West Tigers, before linking with the Panthers, whom he helped guide to two NRL premierships under Cleary.
He was one of several Warriors nominated at the annual awards ceremony. Prop Addin Fonua-Blake, wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and halfback were each named in the NRL Team of the Year, while Johnson narrowly missed out on the night's biggest prize to Knight's fullback Kalyn Ponga.
Webster has acknowledged his players for their role in his achievement, reflecting on their stunning transformation in 2023 that saw New Zealand fall back in love with the Warriors.
"I just want to thank the boys, I love you so much," he continued. "First day of training to where we are now, it's amazing boys.
"I'm here because of you. I know we've said this a million times, but everyone has just brought into everything.
"From our coaches, who were just amazing, to [Mark Robinson] the owner of the club, to [chief executive] Cam George for supporting me.
"We've got an amazing thing going on in 'Up the Wahs' at the moment - a bit of a movement. It's special what's happening in New Zealand and I just want to thank you guys so much for that."
After the ceremony, Webster reflected on the formula that's led to the team's success, with their fourth-place finish their highest since 2002.
"I think the DNA of the Warriors is based on hard work and good people, and if you have those two things, then you have fun at the same time, that's a successful combination," he told Newshub.
"If they don’t actually buy in and work hard, and don’t want to enjoy their time there, then it's not going to work."
Humble to a fault, a "hugely proud" Webster gave credit to his fellow nominees, who'll lock horns again this weekend at Syndey with the NRL premiership on the line.
"You've got two coaches there in NRL Grand Final weekend, and you just think they’ve got their teams there and they should be part of this too, but I'm super grateful.
"To hold the Dally M Coach of the Year award in my first year is pretty good."
Join Newshub at 9:30pm Sunday for live updates of the Panthers v Broncos NRL Grand Final
