Sporting achievements: Motivator of the year

Brian McClennan

Cast your mind back to June when a little-known league coach with a famous dad was handed the Kiwis coaching job.

Brian McClennan had won everything there was to win in New Zealand domestic league but it didn't hide the fact that it was still a quantum leap to transform that into international success.

Bluey, as he's known in league circles, promised to return passion to the black-and-white jersey and, what do you know, passion is what we got as the Kiwis demolished Australia to claim the Tri-Nations. McClennan's unbridled display of emotion at the final whistle, when he hugged anything in sight, was priceless.

The success he achieved did not go unnoticed but he turned down advances from English Super League clubs and said he's not ready for the NRL, as he doesn't want to be a one-year wonder with the Kiwis.

New Zealand's win has reignited interest in international league - not before time - and now the Australians are promising to out-passion the Kiwis in next year's Tri-Nations.

It should be a hell of a show.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY