MATTHEW Elliott has been given the dubious honour of first NRL coach to be sacked in 2014.

It is understood New Zealand Warriors bosses told Elliott on Sunday morning the club wanted to “move in a different direction” following their 37-6 loss to the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday.

On Monday morning Elliott’s departure was confirmed, with the Warriors releasing a statement announcing Elliott’s assistant Andrew McFadden had been appointed acting head coach until the end of the 2014 season.

The statement said Elliott had “resigned with immediate effect”.

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“I have learned a lot from Matt and am saddened that he has made this decision. It speaks volumes of his character and integrity and I personally wish him well,” Warriors chairman Bill Wavish said.

The Warriors have won two of their five games this season, including upset victories over the North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers and they performed well in the NRL Nines.

However, it is understood Warriors management felt the side’s limp display against Cronulla was proof Elliott’s coaching was not going to produce a top-four finish this season.

The Warriors did not make the top eight last year and there were reports Elliott faced a round five review this season.

The timing of the loss to the previously winless Sharks was therefore as bad as it gets as the players put in a performance well below their personal standards.

With McFadden in place until the end of the season, the search will start for a long-term replacement for Elliott, with reports emerging that St Helens coach Nathan Brown will be targeted.

McFadden, Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah, and senior players will front the media on Monday.

McFadden will be the 10th coach in the team’s history. An average of one every two years.

WARRIORS: 1995-97* - John Monie (26 wins-26 losses) 1997-98 - Frank Endacott (13-20) 1999-2000 - Mark Graham (18-30) 2001-04* - Daniel Anderson (51-39) 2004-05 - Tony Kemp (13-24) 2006-11 - Ivan Cleary (68-66) 2012* - Brian McClennan (8-14) 2012 - Tony Iro (0-2) 2013-14* - Matthew Elliott (15-19) 2014 - Andrew McFadden * departed mid-season

Originally published as Elliott sacked by Warriors