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Ex-England coach Steve McNamara joins NRL side New Zealand Warriors as assistant coach

Steve McNamara is taking his skills to New Zealand
Image: Steve McNamara is taking his skills off to New Zealand

Former England coach Steve McNamara has agreed to become an assistant coach with NRL side New Zealand Warriors.

The 45-year-old, who led England to a 2-1 Test series win against Stephen Kearney's New Zealand 11 months ago, has left his job at Sydney Roosters and signed a two-year contract to assist his old adversary.

Meanwhile, McNamara's replacement as England head coach, Wayne Bennett, has appointed former Wakefield and Widnes centre Jason Demetriou as an assistant coach at his club Brisbane Broncos, and 2010 Super League Man of Steel Pat Richards has linked up with his old Wigan boss Michael Maguire at South Sydney.

McNamara, who moved to the Roosters when his England role reverted to part-time after the 2013 World Cup, will join Andrew McFadden and Stacey Jones on Kearney's backroom staff at the Auckland club.

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"I've learnt so much about the NRL in my three seasons with the Roosters, adding to past experience with England and Bradford," said McNamara. "Now I'm really excited about this next step in my coaching career, coming to Auckland and working with Stephen and a great coaching group.

"I have the greatest admiration for Stephen from the days when we were opposing coaches of our national teams. He has done wonderfully well with the Kiwis and I'm sure he's going to do a terrific job with the Vodafone Warriors."

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30:  Coach Stephen Kearney smiles during the New Zealand Kiwis Captain's Run at Bishop Park on April 30, 2015 in Brisbane, Aust
Image: Coach Stephen Kearney to join forces with old foe McNamara

Kearney, who quit as New Zealand head coach after seven years in the role last month, said: "While Steve and I were adversaries in our roles with our national teams we formed a great relationship.

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"He brings qualities that will give us a really strong and experienced coaching group as we look ahead to take the Vodafone Warriors to the level we collectively expect of this club."

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Meanwhile, 40-year-old Demetriou has been released from his contract with St George Illawarra, where he coached the Cutters to the Intrust Super State Championship this year,  to link up with Bennett in Brisbane.

Richards will cut his coaching teeth with Souths after bringing his distinguished playing career to an end this year.

The goalkicking winger, who played in the NRL with Parramatta and Wests Tigers, was a member of Wigan's double-winning team in 2013 and spent the 2016 season with Catalans Dragons.

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