Iro to pursue coaching dream with Warriors

Iro to pursue coaching dream with Warriors

Former Kiwi Tony Iro has resigned from his role as New Zealand Rugby League high performance general manager to return to his previous position as assistant coach at the Vodafone Warriors.

But NZRL chief executive Phil Holden is happy to see Iro following his heart.

“Tony has done an incredible job for us and really taken our high performance programme to another level since arriving almost two years ago,” says Holden.

“But while he has proven himself to be a very capable administrator, coaching is his true passion and we completely support him as he pursues his dream.

“Tony is also a great guy and personifies the values that we’re trying to establish in our organisation.

“He will be missed terribly by his colleagues and our challenge now is to find someone to continue the great work he has done here.”

Iro (Kiwi # 606) arrived at NZRL after his previous stint with the Warriors ended in 2012. He had spent eight years at the club, guiding their NYC team from 2008-09 and then assisting with the premier side from 2010-12, helping them to the 2011 NRL grand final.

When head coach Brian McClennan did not last his first season, Iro took over the post temporarily, but was not retained for the following season.

“I’ve enjoyed my two years with NZRL, working with the Kiwis and in the high performance area, but I always wanted to coach in the NRL again,” says Iro.

“I’ve got strong ties with the Vodafone Warriors after my time with the club and couldn’t be more excited about returning. The club has so much to offer.”

His experience and mana are just what current Warriors coach Andrew McFadden needs, as he prepares for his first full season in charge.

“Tony is an ideal choice, just the sort of person I need,” says McFadden. “He has the depth of coaching experience I was after, and he has so much knowledge about the club and about the players here, most of whom he has worked with.”

Iro is committed to NZRL until the upcoming Four Nations tournament is over and, in the meantime, the national body will begin its search for his replacement.

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