Wane in contention for Warriors job

England head coach Shaun Wane is on New Zealand Warriors’ five-man shortlist to replace Stephen Kearney as the club’s head coach.

That’s according to the Daily Telegraph in Australia who also report that Wane’s predecessor in the England hot seat, Wayne Bennett, is also in the running.

After eight trophy-laden years in charge of hometown club Wigan, Wane was named England coach in February after a break from the game and a stint in Rugby Union.

The 55-year-old has not been shy in expressing his ambitions of coaching in the NRL one day, but said in a recent interview with Fox League Live that it would likely be after his England tenure.

Kearney was sacked last month and as the Warriors step up the selection process to replace him, they are keen to explore all options.

The Daily Telehraph’s report outlines how the club will interview their candidates via Skype, with club owner Mark Robinson, chairman Rob Croot, CEO Cameron George and former captain Simon Mannering making up the selection panel.

Interim coach Todd Payten, Melbourne assistant Jason Ryles and former St Helens coach Nathan Brown are the other three names on the shortlist alongside Wane and Bennett.

The Warriors currently sit 12th on the NRL ladder having won three of their eight matches this season.