Ex-Hull KR coach likened to one of the world’s best coaches as he is tipped for huge success in the NRL
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com - Rugby League - 2013 Rugby League World Cup Final - New Zealand Captains Run - Old Trafford, Manchester, England - 29/11/13 - New Zealand's Assistant Coach Ivan Cleary.
Former Hull KR assistant Andrew Webster has been tipped for huge success in the NRL after being linked to one of the best coaches on the planet.
Webster followed his brother James to Hull KR in 2006 and had too spells at the club including during their best ever finish in Super League history, fourth in 2009.
In 2012, he returned down under and spent time at Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers and the New Zealand Warriors.
In 2017, he returned to the Tigers and when Jason Taylor was sacked, Webster had his first taste of being a Head Coach before the appointment of Ivan Cleary.
He would follow Cleary to Penrith and lift two Premierships with the club and now Webster has been likened to Cleary by Penrith Panthers legend and former New Zealand Warrior Greg Alexander.
“Webby’s impressive,” Alexander told SEN Radio.
“I’ve only had 12 months with him and my role at Penrith doesn’t see me at training every day and watching everything that goes on, I’m in and out.
“I sort of float in, and I’ll chat to the coaches but both assistant coaches were terrific for us; Cameron Ciraldo, of course, has moved on to the Bulldogs and Webby’s a good operator.
“I listened to him yesterday speak to the players, I’ve seen him in action on the field with the Penrith boys … he’s got the right temperament.
“If I could say that Ivan Cleary’s a very relaxed and calm presence amongst players and Andrew Webster’s got that same sort of feel about him; so has Cameron Ciraldo,” he said.
“They’re not ranters, they’re not screamers, there’s not a whole lot of pressure put on through their own personality; they’re very calm but they get their message across.
“So I think Webby will be good, the fact that he’s been here (in NZ) too will certainly help.”
Websters hopes of success partially hinge on former Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield boss Richard Agar who has joined him as assistant for 2023 and beyond with Agar revealing that he is keen to lure Super League talent over to New Zealand.