Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has stated his intent to remain at Mt Smart beyond this year, despite what has been a topsy-turvy season for the club.
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Heading into the season with arguably the best Warriors lineup in over a decade, McFadden was under the media spotlight from the very beginning.
However, his side only recently snuck inside the top eight and will need to equal their best finish to a season since 2011 if they are to remain there.
Despite the drama that's unfolded this season - including Konrad Hurrell's messy departure and the prescription pills saga, McFadden remains keen on the job.
"I won't be walking away, that's for sure," McFadden said.
"I love coaching here and will keep doing it as long as I feel like I am adding value to the organisation. We are building the right stepping stones to success."
The Aussie coach has come under scrutiny for his benching of promising young talent Tuimoala Lolohea. However, the playing group continues to support their embattled boss.
"I feel for him and we want to do what's right by him," Five-eighth Thomas Leuluai said.
"He's one of the smartest coaches I've had and has a great understanding of the game. And despite everything that's happened, he's never changed as a person. It's not been an easy ride for him but he's still the same guy I met when I first came here."
"We have had arguably our most consistent two months since I've been here," said McFadden. "We have a lot more confidence in what we are doing [but] we are not the finished product. We need to improve but we certainly have a better foundation than we had."
Should the Warriors fail to make the eight, it is expected that Andrew McFadden won't be offered a contract extension beyond this season.