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Graham Lowe has hit back at Kiwis rugby league captain Roy Asotasi for his criticism of head coach Gary Kemble and suggested he look at his own poor form.
Asotasi has demanded Wayne Bennett's inclusion on the team's coaching staff, hinting at widespread player unrest if the status quo remains.
Asotasi yesterday reiterated his belief that Kemble was out of his depth on last year's disastrous European tour and said former Kangaroos coach Bennett needed to join Kemble for the Kiwis to be competitive at the World Cup in Australia in October-November.
Kemble was last month reappointed by the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) but no decision has been made on the status of assistants Phil Prescott and James Leuluai as the board prepare to meet on Friday to discuss the issue.
"Good luck to Gary that he got chosen but it's something that we all need to discuss," Asotasi told NZPA yesterday.
"A lot of us felt that Gary Kemble wasn't up to the task. For the NZRL to reappoint him ... they might have thought they made the right decision and we'll leave it up to them at the moment, but it's definitely an issue with the players."
Lowe, director of coaching for the NZRL, said today Asotasi's comments were very disappointing.
"It's absolutely unfair and I think it's totally uncalled for having the captain coming out at this stage and laying into Gary Kemble as he has," Lowe told Radio Sport.
"I've never seen it before, and we're not talking about the greatest captain that the Kiwis have ever seen either -- Roy has got to concentrate on his own game," he said.
"There are a lot of really good players who deserve the opportunity who, as I've said, would be prepared to crawl over broken glass to get into the Kiwis, they wouldn't be standing at the front of a forum and criticising the coach."
Asotasi said it would be a big confidence booster for the Kiwis if Bennett had a role in their coaching.
"He and Gary will work well together. I believe Wayne will do wonders for Gary in the way he coaches and it'll definitely be a plus for us," he said.
"You want to be coached by the best and that's what the players want," Asotasi said.
He had discussed the issue with Souths teammate and Kiwis veteran David Kidwell.
Under Kemble's stewardship the Kiwis suffered a 0-58 hiding from the Kangaroos in Wellington, a 0-3 whitewash against Great Britain then scraped home 22-14 over France.
Kidwell said Bennett's guest coaching role with the All Golds invitation side on the British tour opened the players' eyes.
"It was a pretty amazing experience. You ask anyone in that All Golds team, in that short period of time he just knew how to bring the team together," Kidwell said.
"You understand why he's such a great coach. The NZRL would be stupid not to have him on board."
Lowe said the NZRL was aware of the influence Bennett had when with the All Golds and of his reputation.
"Wayne Bennett won't be the coach, but we're hoping that, and there's every chance that Wayne will be involved in some advisory role."
If this did happen it would not mean the "terrible remarks" by Asotasi and other players had forced the NZRL's hand, Lowe said.
"The New Zealand Rugby League is right behind Gary Kemble."
Asotasi, who leaves for the United States on Wednesday with his South Sydney club for an exhibition match against British side Leeds, said he would call NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden in coming days to "see how things are going".
NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz said it was hoped to resolve the coaching issue as soon as possible.
Bennett's Brisbane Broncos club has given its blessing and Bennett is reportedly keen to become involved.
The Kiwis' first match of 2008 is the Centenary test against the Kangaroos at the Sydney Cricket Ground on May 9.
- NZPA
