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Aussie McFadden joins Kiwis camp

Published: Thu 27 Mar 2014 01:52 PM
March 27, 2014
Aussie McFadden joins Kiwis camp
NZ Warriors assistant coach Andrew McFadden will fill that same role for the NZ Kiwis at the Anzac Test against Australia in Sydney on May 2.
Embodying the Anzac spirit, Aussie-born McFadden will have Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney’s back for the trans-Tasman clash in a management team that sees several changes from the one that guided the national rugby league team to last year’s World Cup final.
“We looked at the option of appointing two assistants to share the load with Stephen,” says NZ Rugby League high performance manager Tony Iro.
“But with such a short preparation time, we decided to keep things really simple this time – we may reassess that for the Four Nations later in the year.
“Andrew provides a good link with the NZ-based players, who have given him a ringing endorsement.”
Former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary, who assisted Kearney at the World Cup, made himself unavailable due to his commitments with the Penrith Panthers, while former Kiwis international David Kidwell, who missed out on the head coaching position last month, was another considered for an assistant’s job.
“We felt, under the circumstances, Andrew offered more specific experience in the role as offensive coach and was a better fit for what we needed at this time,” says Iro.
During an eight-year NRL career, McFadden (36) chalked up 100 games as halfback for the Canberra Raiders, Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm, where he was Kearney’s team-mate.
Since retiring in 2004, he has served as assistant coach with the Catalan Dragons in France and Canberra, before joining the Warriors staff last year.
“I’m extremely excited,” says McFadden, who claims no confusion over his mixed allegiances. “It’s a massive honour to be involved with the Kiwis.
“One thing you learn in rugby league is that your loyalty is to the team you’re with at that time.
“When I moved from Canberra to the Warriors, they became my team. Now, it’s no different for the Kiwis.”
Another key addition is that of NZ-born Manly Sea Eagles trainer Donny Singe, who is highly regarded in the NRL, while lead physio Karl MacDonald will reprise his role with the 2008 World Cup-winning side.
The full NZ Kiwis management team for the 2013 Anzac Test is:
• Head coach – Stephen Kearney
• Assistant coach – Andrew McFadden
• Football manager – Tony Iro
• Assistant manager – Carmen Taplin
• Sports science – Craig Walker
• Trainer – Donny Singe
• Logistics – Laurie Hale
• Doctor – Simon Mayhew
• Physios – Karl MacDonald & John Love
• Media manager – Grant Chapman
• Cultural advisor – Ora Kihi
ENDS

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