Cleary commits to Warriors

Ivan Cleary has extended his contract as coach of the New Zealand Warriors until the end of 2012 after accepting a new deal.

Cleary is in his fourth season with the Warriors and remains the fourth longest serving boss in the NRL behind Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, Tim Sheens at Wests Tigers and Des Hasler at Manly.

Executive director of football John Hart said the club was delighted to secure Cleary ahead of the expiration of his current contract which comes to an end next year.

“We’re thrilled with the job Ivan is doing for us and hold him in the highest regard,” he said.

“The Vodafone Warriors have made excellent progress under Ivan’s coaching since he moved into the role in the most difficult circumstances in 2006.

“That can be measured by the fact we’ve made the play-offs the last two seasons and were just one game short of the grand final last year. We could have made the top eight in 2006 as well but for losing points through a salary cap breach beyond Ivan’s control.

“He is now about to become the longest-serving coach in the club’s history and we have great confidence that the Vodafone Warriors will achieve much more under him in the years ahead.

“He’s highly respected by all at the club and is integral to the future.”

Hart said extending Cleary’s coaching tenure to seven years was also part of the club’s aim of creating a stable environment.

“We need stability to develop and prosper and we are seeing the benefits of that policy,” he said.

“It’s important to have continuity in our coaching structure and also in our playing roster.”