Kearney recognised in Queens Birthday Honours

The recognition comes a little more than six months after Kearney (36) coached the Pirtek Kiwis to their historic 34-20 victory over Australia in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane.

The Paraparaumu-born Kearney said he was stunned to receive the honour which has, in recent years, also been awarded to his former New Zealand team-mates Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki.