Andrew McFadden has been appointed Warriors head coach until the end of the 2017 NRL season.
McFadden was brought in as acting head coach following Matthew Elliott’s resignation early last month.
In McFadden’s first four games in charge, the Warriors have had two hard-fought losses followed by impressive wins against Melbourne and Canberra to sit 12th on the NRL ladder.
McFadden welcomed the long-term responsibility.
“I’m hugely appreciative of the club giving me this opportunity,” he said.
“The past few weeks in the job have given me a valuable insight into the role and its demands. To have the position through to the end of 2017 gives me certainty and the chance to plan our future with confidence.”
McFadden said his challenge was to make the Warriors a consistent force in the NRL.
“There’s so much talent in this club but there’s also so much work needed if we’re to rise to the level we expect.”
Since McFadden took over, the Warriors have shown improvement in their effort and effectiveness in defence.
In the past four matches, they have conceded a total of 63 points, an average of less than 16 points a game compared to an average of almost 28 in the first five rounds of the season.
Warriors co-owner Eric Watson said McFadden had done an outstanding job in transforming the side.
“We had a view when Andrew joined the club that he would develop into the next long-term head coach.
“He has already underlined the ability he has and we couldn’t be more delighted to confirm his long-term future with the Warriors.”
Chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the confirmation gave McFadden the opportunity to focus on the rest of the 2014 campaign with confidence, and also longer term.
“We’re already working on recruitment and other plans, and it’s critical to have Andrew fully involved as we map out our future.”
McFadden’s first match as the club’s fully-fledged head coach is against competition leaders Canterbury at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Sunday.