League: Decision on Bennett set to be made

Wayne Bennett could be announced as Kiwis coach this afternoon. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is to hold a media conference today amid speculation that Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett will be named the new Kiwis coach.

Chairman Ray Haffenden declined to comment when questioned today on whether Bennett had accepted the job after the early departure of previous incumbent Gary Kemble.

The NZRL had talks late last month with Bennett in Brisbane.

Formers Kiwis skipper Stephen Kearney had been tipped as his assistant if he accepted the New Zealand test job.

Bennett, who confirmed last week that he would leave the Broncos at the end of the upcoming National Rugby League season, his 21st in charge of the club, coached Australia 16 times between 1998 and 2005.

- NZPA