League: Iro leaving the Warriors

Tony Iro. Photo by Getty
Tony Iro. Photo by Getty
Warriors' assistant coach Tony Iro has been granted an early release from his contract to pursue other opportunities, with reports linking him with a return to the Roosters.

Iro, who coached the Warriors in the National Youth Competition's first two seasons in 2008 and 2009, said the Warriors had given him the chance to start his coaching career, and the decision to leave was a difficult one.

"After so long here, I had a lot to weigh up," he said.

"I've had plenty of great times with the club and I've learnt so much.

"I'm grateful for the chance I was given to start my coaching career here but I've decided to move on to explore other opportunities. I want to thank all the coaching staff, players past and present and staff I've enjoyed working with."

Not only did Iro play 60 games for the Roosters in the mid-1990s but friend and former strength and conditioning coach Craig Walker, who was brought to the Warriors under Ivan Cleary, is also returning to the Sydney club.

Chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the Warriors had been keen for Iro to continue in the role he has filled for the past three seasons.

"Tony has made a major contribution since joining our football department in 2005, most recently with our NRL side," he said.

"It's disappointing he won't be staying on but we gave him time to make his decision and respect the choice he has made.

"We're extremely grateful for what Tony's done for the Vodafone Warriors. He's looking at other opportunities and we wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Warriors' head coach Matt Elliott said he had hoped Iro would stay for the 2013 season and beyond.

Iro applied for the Warriors head coaching position following the sacking of Brian McClennan but was overlooked in favour of former Canberra and Penrith coach Matt Elliott.

He took over as caretaker coach when McClennan was sacked with two games remaining this season, and still had two years remaining on his Warriors' contract.

As a player Iro made 25 Test appearances for the Kiwis from 1988-1998 and played almost 250 games in the Australian and English competitions for Manly, the Sydney Roosters, Hunter, Adelaide, South Sydney, Wigan and Leigh.

He joined the Warriors as IT and video analyst in 2005, and became development coach in 2006. Iro has also been the Kiwis' assistant coach since 2009, and served in the same role in 2006 and 2007.


 

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