Vodafone Warriors assistant coach Andrew ‘Cappy’ McFadden (pictured) has graduated to international coaching after today being named as the Kiwis’ new assistant coach for the 2014 Anzac Test against the Kangaroos at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on May 2. Photo: Photosport.
McFadden, who’s in his second season with the Vodafone Warriors, will link up with his former Melbourne team-mate and Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney.
The 36-year-old McFadden finished his NRL playing days with the Storm in 2003-2004, coinciding with the end of Kearney’s own NRL career before he spent 2005 with Hull FC in the Super League.
“I’m really excited and also hugely honoured to be given the opportunity to work with Stephen and the Kiwis,” he said.
“I might be Australian but my loyalty is always to the team and the players I coach.
“When I moved from Canberra to the Warriors, they became my team. Now, it’s no different for the Kiwis.
“I’m really thankful to (Vodafone Warriors head coach) Matt (Elliott) and the club for giving me the chance to take up this opportunity.”
Elliott, who has previously coached the United States, was equally excited about McFadden's promotion.
“I’ve known Cappy for a long time now as both a player and a coach and this is a terrific honour for him and also for our club,” said Elliott.
“It was exciting for me when I was associated with the Tomahawks and I know Cappy will get a lot out of this experience.
“It’s important for us as a club to give not just our players but also our coaches the chance to further their careers and develop their skills. Cappy will have all the support he needs from us with his appointment.”
McFadden replaces former Vodafone Warriors head coach Ivan Cleary, who was unavailable due to his Penrith commitments.
Another key addition is that of New Zealander-born Manly Sea Eagles trainer Donny Singe, who returns to the Kiwi staff, while lead physio Karl MacDonald will reprise his role with the 2008 World Cup-winning side.
The full management team for the 2014 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 adviser | Ora Kihi
