The New Zealand Warriors have fired coach Stephen Kearney while the players and staff are in long-term camp in Australia competing in the National Rugby League.

The Warriors ended Kearney’s 3 1/2-year tenure on Saturday, the morning after a 40-12 loss to South Sydney. It was the Warriors fourth loss in six games in a season interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said Kearney was informed “we needed to make an immediate change.”

“It’s a tough day for all of us. Stephen is extremely professional and has put in a huge amount of effort in the role.” George said. “But along with the owners, we feel we need to make a change now in the best interests of the club.”

The Warriors have been in Australia since last month, initially undergoing a 14-day quarantine and then moving to the coast north of Sydney.