KEY POINTS:
The fallout from the Nathan Fien selection saga continues to drag on as the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) prepares its report on 'granny-gate'.
The Kiwis were forced to drop Fien from their Tri-Nations squad and stripped of two competition points after the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) found Fien to be ineligible to represent New Zealand.
Just who is at fault could come to the fore, while questions remain about what coach Brian McClennan and NZRL staff actually knew, and when.
The Kiwis had initially claimed Australian-born Fien's grandmother was born in New Zealand, which would have allowed him to switch allegiances, but it was later revealed the birth certificate he provided belonged to his great-grandmother.
The RLIF panel that investigated the case found the NZRL was aware the certificate belonged to Fien's great-grandmother, which made him ineligible for selection, but did not disclose the fact. NZRL chairman at the time Selwyn Bennett was forced to resign over the affair.
NZRL acting chairman Andrew Chalmers says the report will be underway soon and they are just waiting to finalise the terms of reference. Once the dates have been set they will allow the process to run.
Chalmers has essentially given an assurance McClennan will stay in his job after guiding the team to the Tri Nations final. He says McClennan has a contract that runs to after the 2008 World Cup.
- NEWSTALKZB, NZ HERALD
