Kearney is stepping down from the role after eight years in charge to take up the role of Warriors coach.
The NZRL chief executive Alex Hayton says Kearney has always been open about wanting to coach another NRL club taking up a role at the club where the used to play means a lot to him.
"Stephen wants to concentrate on his new full-time responsibilities and feels he cannot commit 100% to the Kiwis at this time, ending his eight-year reign as national team coach.
"He leaves a legacy that will be hard to match, both as one of our greatest players and coaches.
