Vodafone Warriors assistant coach Steve McNamara is stepping back into international rugby league after today being named the new Kiwi assistant coach for the coming Anzac Test as well as the Rugby League World Cup later in the year.
The 45-year-old ex-England coach was confirmed in the role by Kiwi head coach David Kidwell this morning.
The Yorkshireman was brought to New Zealand by new Vodafone Warriors head coach and ex-Kiwi boss Stephen Kearney last October.
Kearney said McNamara had the club’s full support in combing his roles.
“We’re really pleased for Steve to have this opportunity to step back into international rugby league,” he said.
“He did a terrific job when he coached England and he’ll be a real asset for the Kiwis as they build towards the Rugby League World Cup later this year.”
McNamara joined the Vodafone Warriors after being an assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters the last three seasons.
He played more than 300 top-level games for Great Britain, Hull FC, Bradford, Wakefield and Huddersfield from 1989-2003 before moving into coaching including six seasons as England head coach.
STEVE McNAMARA
Born: September 18, 1971
Birthplace: Hull, England
Coaching Career:
Club:
Bradford head coach, 2006-2010
Sydney Roosters assistant coach, 2014-2016
Vodafone Warriors assistant coach, 2017
International:
Great Britain assistant coach, 2007
England assistant coach, 2008-2009
England head coach, 2010-2015
Playing Career:
Position: Second row, loose forward
Junior Club: Skirlaugh, Hull
Club Career:
Hull FC, 1989-1996
Bradford, 1996-2000
Wakefield, 2000
Huddersfield, 2001-2003
International Career:
Great Britain, 1992-1999
