Warriors veteran Adam Blair has voiced his support for axed coach Stephen Kearney, someone he called “an idol”.
Much of the Warriors playing group were upset and “rattled” by news the club agreed to part ways with Kearney, following Friday’s 40-12 loss to South Sydney.
Blair, who has played under Kearney at three different clubs and at Test level for the Kiwis, took to social media to share his thoughts.
“I have so much respect for Mooks, if there was one person I wanted to be like as a league player growing up it was him,” he said.
“Mooks was an idol of mine as a player, and still is.
“I have been in Melbourne, Brisbane and New Zealand with Mooks and we think of him as part of our family. Nothing but love for you and your family.”
Blair and Kearney’s relationship extends back more than 15 years.
The veteran forward was originally courted by Kearney as a 16-year-old at the Melbourne Storm, ironically the side the Warriors will face on Friday night.
They then linked up again at the Brisbane Broncos before finally landing with the Warriors in 2018.
With 18 months left to run on his deal and the trying circumstances the club are facing, many took issue with the timing and nature of the sacking.
Former player Sione Faumuina launched a scathing attack at the club hierarchy on Sunday, calling the axing “the dumbest decision” he’s ever seen.
Chief executive Cameron George said the decision was “eight to nine” months in the making.
“I’m calling you out right now,” Faumuina said in a six-minute long video posted on his Facebook page.
“That was the dumbest decision to do, with what’s going on right now. I’m guessing it came from the top … it’s selfish, it lacks empathy… it’s the worst decision for any franchise I’ve ever seen made in the NRL.
“I honestly don’t know how anyone could literally pull the trigger on this decision during this time.”
Now interim coach Todd Payten said on Sunday the group felt as if there had been “a death in the family”.
Kearney’s time in New Zealand comes to an end with a 42 per cent win ratio, a record of 32-45.
