Warriors - 2012

The NRL grand final comedown was swift and severe for the 2012 Warriors and new coach 'Bluey' McClennan.

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Despite widespread dismay at Ivan Cleary’s departure, Brian ‘Bluey’ McClennan was a popular hire. The former Auckland provincial five-eighth was revered for his role as coach of the Kiwis’ historic 2005 Tri Nations triumph and their near miss in the 2006 final. Back-to-back Super League titles with Leeds in 2008-09 only cemented his reputation as an NRL coach-in-waiting. A humble, affable yet forthright personality in the Frank Endacott mould.

On the surface, it was a dream gig – taking over a premiership-calibre roster that had become established as a genuine NRL powerhouse courtesy of four finals appearances in five years. But it would be an ill-fated stint for McClennan, who failed to see out a difficult season thanks to a trigger-happy administration.