By Tony Wright
Andrew McFadden is a dead man walking as Warriors coach.
The 38-year-old was promoted into the role while assistant to Matthew Elliot in 2014, but he’s never been able to consistently get the best out of a talented group of players.
McFadden is a great bloke who talks a good game, but it's clear to all he's lost the dressing room. For whatever reason, his messages aren't getting through. There is little desire to tackle, to put bodies on the line, and the passion, commitment and discipline needed by a successful NRL side are sorely lacking.
The abject performances that typified the losing streak of last season have returned, and the team are once again an embarrassment.
So McFadden must go or the season will be lost, if it's not already. So, who should replace him? Here are my top five picks.
Warriors legend and current coach of its reserve grade side, is it finally time for Jones to step up to the big show?
Arguably the finest talent the club has ever produced, he would at least have the support and respect of his playing roster.
I’d actually have Jones as assistant to Kidwell. The playmaker and the disciplinarian, a perfect match that the club so desperately needs.
Currently overseeing a largely underwhelming campaign by his standards for the Rabbitohs, perhaps the 42 year old master tactician needs a fresh challenge?
He already knows many of the Warriors players well, and could once again get the best out of Issac Luke.
Already proven at the highest level with a Premiership win for Souths in 2014, Maguire gets results through his players committing to an effective game plan.
Would he want to cross the ditch though? Would Russell Crowe let him?
Alright, I know what you're thinking - Kearney can’t coach first grade.
Sure, his brief tenure in charge of the Eels was a disaster, but he is the most successful Kiwis coach we’ve ever seen and - the World Cup final at Old Trafford aside - seems to get the best out of his players when they suit up for their country.
Could he instill the same passion at the Warriors?
Currently in his final year as assistant at the Broncos, he’s no doubt learned plenty from master coach Wayne Bennett. Maybe it’s time Kearney got another shot at running his own ship.
Why the club let Cleary walk out so easily after leading them to their second grand final in 2011 still boogles the mind.
The players respected him and would have followed him anywhere. He was the Warrior’s fullback when it contested its first grand final in 2002. He lived and breathed the club, he is part of Mount Smart folklore.
But out the door to Penrith he went, and in came the 'people's coach', Bluey McClennan. The McClennan era lasted just 22 matches for a paltry 8 wins.
But things didn't go well for Cleary at the Panthers either. Injuries and form took their toll, and he was fired at the end of last season.
Would he want to come back to Auckland? You'd like to think Jim Doyle has already asked him.
An NRL head coach in waiting, Kidwell's time has come.
Currently assistant to Jason Taylor at the struggling Wests Tigers, the 39 year old Cantabrian also served his apprenticeship under one of the best around in Craig Bellamy at the Storm.
Kidwell is one of the toughest and most intelligent league players New Zealand has ever produced.
I knew him as a young man back in his days with the Hornby Panthers, and even back then it was clear he was destined for great things.
He had a black belt at Karate by the age of fourteen, and it’s this innate sense of discipline and commitment that the Warriors so desperately need. He's also never played for the club, so is untainted by previous failures.
Whenever Kidwell pulled on the black and white jumper for his 25 Tests, he gave his all for his country, left nothing on the paddock. It was the same during his 241 game career in first grade.
The Warriors need his desire and leadership now, throw the cheque book at him.
Newshub.
