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Live sport on SN this weekendWarriors assistant backs Webster after Dally M controversy
Sport Nation • October 2nd, 2026 11:32 am
The Warriors' Andrew Webster was named coach of the year | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Warriors assistant coach Slade Griffin has defended Andrew Webster as the rightful recipient of the Dally M Coach of the Year award.
There was widespread outrage when Knights coach Justin Holbrook was overlooked after taking the side from wooden spooners to grand finalists in his first year at the helm.
However, Newcastle only finished seventh in the regular season, before going on a post-season winning streak to set up Sunday’s grand final against the Roosters.
But Griffin points out the award's criteria, which clearly states it's based on the regular season rather and not what is achieved in the finals which follow.
“I know there's a lot of controversy over it but it is a regular-season award so it's kind of hard to judge it afterwards,” Griffin told Sport Nation Mornings.
Andrew Webster wins Coach of the Year at Dally Ms | Scotty & Izzy
Griffin said Webster’s work deserved recognition after the Warriors narrowly missed out on the minor premiership and showed consistent results throughout the season despite having seven different halves.
“I think at the start of the year, no one had us in their top eight.
“Obviously the leadership and adversity we've had to overcome this year. We've blooded a lot of young players. We've had a lot of injuries to key positions, a lot of injuries to our high profile players.
“It didn't stop him. He's steered the ship to a top two finish, which is very hard to do.”
Assistant Warriors coach Slade Griffin and head coach Andrew Webster | Photo: Photosport
He also praised Webster’s work behind the scenes and his relationship with the players.
“He did a really good job and I thought he was so deserving, especially the graft and the work we see day-to-day.
“He’s always first in, last to leave. Leaves no stone unturned, always there for the players, which I think helps them have such a good relationship and they buy into what he wants them to do.”
Listen to the full interview below:
