Rugby League: Endacott safe until World Cup

Frank Endacott's job as Kiwi rugby league coach is secure until after next year's World Cup, regardless of what happens in tonight's Tri-Series final against Australia.

New Zealand Rugby League president Gerald Ryan confirmed yesterday that Endacott and his key management staff were contracted for another 12 months.

Conjecture in recent weeks has suggested that Endacott's position was being challenged at NZRL board level.

"Frank, manager Gary Cooksley and trainer Bob Lanigan all have contracts through until after the World Cup," said Ryan.

"We couldn't see the point of changing staff 12 months out from a World Cup, and a resolution was passed at board level about six months ago when we appointed Frank for another term that he would stay at least until after the World Cup.

"What we have heard are just rumours. There can't be any substance to talk like that because of the resolution by the board. We've given Frank an undertaking and we will keep it."

Graeme Norton, who coached the 1997 New Zealand Super League team, and Mike McLennan, the former St Helens and Tongan coach who is now the Auckland Warriors' technical adviser, have been touted as possible replacements.

Endacott said he was unaware of the speculation, but was confident of the board's unanimous support.

"I feel and understand that I have the absolute support and backing of every member of the board, so this is news to me," he said yesterday. "All I am doing is concentrating on tomorrow's match and absolutely nothing will distract me."

Endacott goes into today's final with the finest coaching record by a long-term Kiwi coach in the modern era. Since starting in 1994 his record reads 17 wins, two draws and eight losses - all to the world champion Australians.

But he has three wins over Australia, while his closest rival in recent decades, Graham Lowe, had two wins from eight tests against the Kangaroos from 1983 to 1986. Lowe had an overall record of 10 wins, one draw and eight losses.

The most successful against Australia was Jim Amos, who coached New Zealand to 2-1 series wins in 1952 and 1953.

- NZPA