Kemble quits as Kiwis coach

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jamesgould

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Now BRING BACK MCCLENNAN!!!!!

Kemble quits as Kiwis coach

January 19, 2008

UNDER-siege New Zealand coach Gary Kemble has resigned, saying a key consideration to his move was the game's best interests.

Kemble told senior New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) officials of his decision when he met with them late this afternoon after returning from a fact-finding trip to Sydney last night.

NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden said the NZRL would begin the process to find a new coach as soon possible. Brisbane Broncos National Rugby League coach Wayne Bennett is a front runner to succeed Kemble although Haffenden preferred to describe him as a "contender".

The NZRL would take as long as it needed to make the right decision.

Before making his decision to quit, Kemble had sought opinions from players in the wake of claims by captain Roy Asotasi and experienced second rower David Kidwell that they and other senior players had no confidence in him as coach.

"I deliberately stayed away from making any comment about the situation during the week after what Roy and David had said," Kemble said in a statement released by the NZRL today.

"As a former Kiwi player, I'd have to say it was very disappointing to see the way they handled the issue. They could have gone through other channels.

"After my trip to Sydney, I believe I still had support from a number of players and I was keen to continue as Kiwis coach through to the World Cup later this year.

"But what matters to me most is the Kiwi jersey and the game itself.

"I want to see the Kiwis having the best possible chance of winning the World Cup and, to help make that possible, I've decided it's in New Zealand rugby league's best interests that I should step aside."

Kemble's tenure got off to a disastrous start with a 58-0 hiding inflicted by the Kangaroos in Wellington, followed by a 3-0 series whitewash delivered by Great Britain, before the Kiwis scraped home 22-14 against France.

He said family considerations were also important in his decision.

"This whole business has been difficult for them and when it affects the people close to you, there's only one choice," he said.

From: http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23077026-23214,00.html
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Leeds were happy to let him continuing coach NZ, I believe. Just the stupid NZRL said the coach had to live in NZ! (They threw that ridiculous rule out earlier today).

Unfortunately I think Bennett will get the gig.
 
I may not like Bennett but I think he's a good coach. He'll do a good job for the Kiwis, plus he's already got a head start because the players all respect him from working with him as part of the All Golds.
 
He's definitely the second best choice, but nobody can compete with Brian McClennan. Best guy in the world.
 
I havnt really kept up with all this NZ coaching crisis, but there seemed to be a fair bit on the news.

But Bennett seems to be a favorite for the spot from what ive read.
 
Its a shame, if they have changed the rules so that the coach doesn't have 2 live in NZ then they should give mcClennan his job back, especially since he has already proven he can make NZ into a formidable team
 
As soon as I read that theyd had yet another meeting to discuss Kemble's future, I knew that the writing was on the wall. Not a popular choice of gaffer.
 
Bennett firms for Kiwi role

January 20, 2008

WAYNE Bennett is set to sign on with the New Zealand rugby league after under-siege coach Gary Kemble resigned, saying it was in the game's best interests.

Kemble told New Zealand Rugby League officials of his decision when he met with them after returning from a fact-finding trip to Sydney Friday night.

NZRL chief Ray Haffenden will fly to Australia for talks with Wayne Bennett in the most definite sign yet the Broncos coach will join the Kiwis' World Cup campaign.

The development came as Kiwis legend Hugh McGahan called for the NZRL's residency rule to be scrapped, paving the way for a brains trust of Bennett and former coach Brian McClennan.

Bennett's desire to aid the Kiwis has hit a raw nerve, with Australian chairman of selectors Bob McCarthy saying: "Will he sing the Kiwi national anthem?"

Haffenden told The Sunday Telegraph he would intensify his pursuit of Bennett, starting with an urgent meeting, most likely in the next fortnight.

"I would like the next meeting with Wayne to be face-to-face and I want to do it as soon as is convenient," Haffenden said.

"I've spoken to Wayne over the phone twice and now it's time to take it further.

"We haven't made an offer at this stage but Wayne has agreed to help us, so I want to see him as soon as I can and follow through on the plan we have."

Whether that plan involves Bennett being installed as head coach is unknown, with Haffenden refusing to outline the Broncos coach's intended role with the Kiwis. But The Sunday Telegraph understands Bennett will not be offered the top job, even if the residency rule, which states New Zealand's coach must reside in that country, is rescinded.

It is more likely the 58-year-old will be offered a coaching director's role.

Speculation on New Zealand radio yesterday suggested the NZRL had privately agreed to axe the residency rule.

McGahan wants the rule lifted immediately to enable the return of McClennan, whose Kiwi side thumped Bennett's Australians 24-0 in the 2005 Tri-Nations final.
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Yeah I saw them tring to get an interview with Bennet on the news last night and he was doing his usual performance, not answering properly and being all mysteries
 
Oh yes, for the good of the game eh Wayne? What a hero. Best thing would be to bring back McClennan!!!
 
international league would be a whole lot better if all the teams where closer though, so even though I obviously go for AUS I would like to see McClennan get the job, bt it seems pretty unlikley
 
Bennett meets NZ rugby league officials

Article from: NRL.com

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has met with New Zealand rugby league officials about helping the Kiwis in this year's rugby league World Cup.

But the former Queensland Origin and Australian coach was tight-lipped about whether he was about to become the code's first dual international coach.

Bennett met privately with the officials who are on the hunt for a new coach after Gary Kemble resigned earlier this month following player resistance led by Kiwis skipper Roy Asotasi.

"We've had the meeting," Bennett told AAP.

Bennett, who declined to reveal any details of the meeting or what position he was offered, said there was no more meetings planned.

"It was a good meeting. They were very cordial and nice," said Bennett.

"They (officials) are on their way back to New Zealand now.

"They've got processes to go through and I imagine when they've done all that they'll make some announcements."

It's likely the New Zealand Rugby League will confirm Bennett, who coached Australia 16 times between 1998 and 2005, will play a role in preparing the Kiwis for the World Cup along with former Kiwis Test captain Stephen Kearney, who is assistant coach to Craig Bellamy at Melbourne Storm.

Bennett already has the backing of Asotasi and other Kiwis players after impressing them in his guest coaching role with the All Golds in a centenary match in the United Kingdom last year.

"It'd be awesome, his name speaks for itself," said Asotasi, who also felt vindicated in speaking out against Kemble.

"I'd definitely like to have him involved in some role with the Kiwis and you've also got Stephen Kearney who's interested."

The Broncos are on record as saying they would not oppose Bennett accepting a coaching role with the Kiwis.
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