KEY POINTS:
Tame Tupou has urged the New Zealand Rugby League to consider reappointing Brian "Bluey" McClennan as Kiwis coach rather than hand the reins to Australian Wayne Bennett.
Tupou was brought into first-grade by Bennett at the Brisbane Broncos and was handed his Kiwis debut in the 2006 Anzac test by McClennan.
And although the Bradford Bulls winger acknowledges Bennett, the six-time National Rugby League premiership-winning coach, is probably the best in the game, he believes McClennan should be welcomed back after having led the Kiwis to Tri-Nations glory in 2005.
After agreeing to take over at Leeds Rhinos last year, McClennan was forced to relinquish the Kiwis job because of the "Gary Freeman rule", which stipulates that the national coach must live in New Zealand.
With that rule now reversed, Tupou feels the NZRL should approach McClennan with a view to him spearheading the Kiwis' World Cup campaign.
"With this new rule, I see no reason why they can't bring back Bluey," Tupou said.
"It'll be good having a New Zealander, and I know how hard he's worked over the last few years to improve things on and off the field for New Zealand rugby league.
"He's really passionate about the game and especially New Zealand rugby league, and it's only fair to put someone in that position that's already done a lot of hard work to put New Zealand where they are these days.
"Knowing the success he's been through with some of the players, I think there would be a lot of happy people to see him back.
"But whoever it is, we've got to respect them as a coach and go along with whatever they believe in."
Bennett is almost certain to succeed Gary Kemble, who resigned last week after losing the support of key senior players.
Bennett, 58, impressed NZRL officials after being invited to coach the All Golds at the start of last year's ill-fated European tour.
He is in negotiations with the NZRL over a permanent position.
Despite being dropped for the 2006 NRL grand final and later released by Bennett, Tupou is confident the Australian would be a successful appointment.
"My time with the Broncos was memorable, and you can't get anyone in the same category as Wayne Bennett," he said. "Wayne Bennett's Wayne Bennett, and what he's achieved speaks for itself. That sort of coach would do well with any team, including New Zealand."
- NZPA
