Melbourne Storm Assistant Coach, Stephen Kearney, has stepped down from his position to return to his Brisbane home.
Kearney returned to Storm for the 2021 and 2022 seasons after a lengthy career as player and coach at Storm, Super League Club Hull and New Zealand Warriors.
“Storm has been a big part of my life, and the life of my family, for over 20 years,” Kearney said.
“I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities they have given me to develop as a player, coach and person. Storm will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will leave with some great memories and lifelong friends.”
Kearney played at Storm for six seasons from 1999 playing 139 games for the club, including being an integral member of the 1999 Premiership and 2000 World Club Challenge. He was Craig Bellamy’s inaugural Captain in 2003 and, after a stint at Hull in the Super League, Kearney returned to the club as Craig’s Assistant Coach from 2006 to 2010 which included the 2007 and 2009 Premierships and the 2010 World Club Challenge. In 2018 Kearney was selected in the Melbourne Storm team of the first 20 years and was recognised with a Life Membership in 2010.
Storm General Manager Football, Frank Ponissi, said Kearney has had an enormous impact on the players, coaches and staff at Storm.
“There are not too many people who have had as much impact on our club as Mooks. He is passionate about the club and has been an outstanding mentor for the players and football staff. Whilst he has been an outstanding coach, he is also a wonderful person around our club and will be sorely missed.
“We wish Mooks and his family all the best for the future in Brisbane.” Ponissi said.
Kearney will finish with Storm at the end of November. The Club will begin a recruitment process to find a replacement for Kearney in the coming weeks in preparation for the 2023 NRL season.
