League: Contenders for Kiwis coach lining up

Brian McClennan is the front runner to take over as Kiwis coach should Daniel Anderson join St Helens this week.

Anderson formally applied on Friday to replace Ian Millward at the UK club and is on a shortlist of three that also features former Australian coach Chris Anderson and either John Kear (Hull) or Terry Matterson (Canberra). A decision on who will succeed Millward, who was sacked for gross misconduct, is expected as early as Tuesday.

Even if Anderson misses out on the job, a successor to take over the Kiwis will need to be found this year anyway, because the former Warriors coach has indicated he will not be seeking a fourth year in the position after the Tri-Series.

McClennan and former Kiwis centre James Leuluai have been Anderson's assistants for the past two years and have been groomed to take over the mantle from the Australian.

It seems to be a straight race between the two, although former Kiwis back-rower and current Waicoa Bay coach Tawera Nikau has put his hat in the ring and the likes of Tony Benson and Paul Bergman might also be considered.

New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) chairman Selwyn Pearson confirmed they will opt for a head coach, rather than a co-coaching option with McClennan and Leuluai.

"It makes sense for one to be appointed," he said. "A co-coach wouldn't work. It's been tried many times before and, at the end of the day, I think that you need to have a boss."

Pearson will appoint a sub-committee, likely to be headed by NZRL vice-chairman Selwyn Bennett and including Anderson, to select the new Kiwis coach.

McClennan has the better coaching record of the two, having achieved success with all of his sides, although Leuluai has great respect within the rugby league community dating back to his playing days.

Both have indicated they are keen on the position and the likely outcome could see Leuluai assume the role as McClennan's assistant.

It is probably too soon for Nikau to take the top job, considering he has been a Bartercard Cup coach with the Waicoa Bay Stallions for only the past two seasons.

But he has assembled a top team to come on board with him should he become Kiwis coach.

This includes Chris Anderson and Kevin Tamati as his assistants, and Terry Hermansson and Tea Ropati acting as mentors.

"I've also spoken to a couple of prominent players and they're looking to come out of international retirement too," Nikau said.

Although he wouldn't name names, he said "it doesn't take a genius to work out who it is going to be" and "it would be a good way for him (Stacey Jones) to go out. Whether it happens or not is up to him, although I'm not saying it's him.

"I definitely want the job and I think I have the right credentials. The Kiwis have struggled over the last few years under Daniel Anderson and I think he should've gone by now.

"It's about time the board stood up and really took some notice of what needs to be done.

"They could go down the same track with them (McClennan and Leuluai) but do we nominate these guys because Daniel says so?"

Nikau is expected to meet with the board about his proposal this week, although it will surely take a great deal of persuading to change their minds over McClennan and Leuluai. 

- HERALD ON SUNDAY