Graham Lowe: So, what WERE you thinking, coach?

The Anzac test between the Kiwis and the Kangaroos again threw up a host of questions and concerns, and one big, immediate imperative - it's time for a complete review of the New Zealand Rugby League's strategy and approach to the Kiwi team.

This urgent need was made even more obvious to me when, during a post-match television interview, Kiwi coach Daniel Anderson was asked about the future direction of the game for New Zealand. He replied that they (meaning New Zealand) have to take a certain course of action.

To me, that response clearly indicates a problem. As Kiwi coach he should have said "we", but that's obviously hard for an Aussie to do.

The writing is on the wall again after the hiding the Kiwis got last Friday night.

But if it is true to form, the NZRL will ignore the result as it did after the Tri-Series last year, and board members will sit around the table and convince themselves that things look good for the future.

Anyone who thinks that test was building for the future is deluding themselves. It was just another uninspirational lesson on how to lose.

New Zealand has some great talent and that talent is good enough to topple Australia as world champions. But let's be honest, there is nothing to suggest from the past few years that we have got it right off the field.

In fact, I believe Anderson and his selectors are spoiled for choice because there are so many good New Zealand players going round in the top echelons of the game now.

But two wins from nine starts is simply not a good enough argument to retain Anderson as coach of the Kiwis.

As an Australian, he would be well aware that that record would not be accepted from any coach at any level in his own country.

Unfortunately, the side that was chosen not only provided the nails, but Anderson knocked them into his own coaching coffin.

Let's be honest about this, it was not one of the great Australian teams and the test itself was not a memorable one. New Zealand had the players to knock them off, had they been chosen.

I am continually told that Anderson is a good technical coach and he is from the new breed of coaches, or as I have heard it described, a career coach.

Well, I've never come across a professional coach who wasn't a career coach. Those coaches know that if you can't get the job done you lose it, as simple as that.
There is a very obvious communication problem going on between our professional players and the NZRL.

It was highlighted last Saturday night when Joe Galuvao, who supposedly could not play for the Kiwis because of an injury, turned out for the Panthers 24 hours later.

If the Kiwis coach knew his players well enough, that would never have happened.

The players have to want to play for the coach and there should be a very special bond between them. That just doesn't seem to be there with the current mob.

The New Zealand coach needs to have every Kiwi player in the NRL and in Britain prepared to give his heart and soul not only for New Zealand, but just as importantly, for the coach himself.

My views will not go down well in some quarters of the game.

But I'm a Kiwi league man to the bone, and know not only from my experience as a coach at all levels, but also from my feel for the game here that we are not getting the results we should.

I refuse to accept mediocrity. I always have. I want New Zealand to be on top of the league world and will argue day and night that we now have the players to do it.

Anderson was reported as saying that the Aussies were a class above us. I agree, but not referring to the playing talent. They are miles above us off the field and that is where the problem lies.

Last week I questioned the decision to ignore the good form of Britain's Super League and, in hindsight, it is easy to see the great value these players could have provided. Young Benji Marshall looked dangerous, but with the support of a few of the Super League game-breakers around him, he would have looked even better.

For the record, I would have included these players in the 17 for last Friday: Ali Lauitiiti, Vinnie Anderson, Lesley Vainikolo and Robbie Paul from Britain and Lance Hohaia from the Warriors.

The team chosen for the Anzac test was not good enough. Convener of selectors and NZRL board member Keith Pittman should have simply told Anderson and his selectors to go back and pick it again.

The game here in New Zealand is in trouble. Strong and statesman-like leadership is needed. Leadership that gets respect at international level, and refuses to accept the insulting situation where they learn what their overseas counterparts have decided by reading it in the newspapers (or, in the case of Galuvao, actually seeing him on the television screen).

Tough calls must be made and made quickly, because I sense there is a growing attitude among players that they will decide when they will play for New Zealand, instead of the other way around. This is cheapening the great Kiwi jersey and its history.

Daniel Anderson - the charges

* Ignored talent in the Super League
* Missed great chance to topple the world champions
* Two wins from nine starts not good enough
* Doesn't connect with players