KEY POINTS:
Gary Kemble has taken the long road to get the Kiwis coaching job.
His coaching history with the NZRL goes back to 1994. He applied for the top job in 2003 and was passed over for Daniel Anderson and again in 2005 when Brian McClennan got the nod.
Kemble was beaming yesterday. "It's been a matter of persistence, I've toughed it out," he said.
As a player he aspired to wear the black-and-white jersey and as a coach he's had the goal of leading the national side.
The selection process, which considered 15 applicants, was good, he said. He'd always felt there were coaches in New Zealand with the ability to lead the Kiwis.
He recognised his predecessor's good work and hoped to build on that. In the team assembled by the NZRL he had solid back-up and the experience available would be a bonus, he said.
The coaching team wanted to model their structure on the successful Australian method. No business was successful without good expertise around the boss.
Kemble and assistant Kiwis coach James Leuluai played together at Hull in the early 80s while team co-ordinator Sam Panapa was coming on the scene with Wigan as their careers wound down. Kemble is friendly with Phil Prescott after years in the domestic competition and on the representative scene.
"They are all very capable. I'm confident in this team. Now we have to create an environment and atmosphere to make sure that [success] keeps happening."
His contract details were finalised on Thursday and a contract signed that night. By the time his appointment was announced yesterday afternoon he had not had time to contact key players.
But the selectors have a list of names for consideration. Kemble said there was plenty of talent available and it was an exciting time for New Zealand league, given the number of players in the NRL and Super League and the numbers likely to be playing finals games in those competitions.
He did not answer directly when asked if English-based players would be considered for his first assignment against Australia in Wellington on October 14. "We're going to pick the best team that's available."
If he was successful and offers came from overseas, would he consider following the path of the last two Kiwis coaches, McClennan and Daniel Anderson? "I'm focusing on the Kiwis."
Kemble was an assistant to Frank Endacott at the 1995 and 2000 World Cups and is highly rated by Endacott. The Kiwis lost to Australia both times in nail-biters. What went wrong? "I'm not sure, it's just the name of the game. I have confidence we've got the players to go one better."
NZRL manager Peter Cordtz played under Kemble in representative teams and for a season with Hawkes Bay in the Lion Red Cup. "His preparation and attention to detail was meticulous, that's my memory," said Cordtz.
His team manager for the Junior Kiwis and NZ A, Bryce Wakely, is also very complimentary about Kemble's coaching ability.
Prescott said he held no animosity about the selection and was "stoked really, privileged and honoured to be with these guys" on the coaching panel.
Leuluai, too, was enthusiastic about the role and bubbling about the quality of players in the NRL.
Kiwis' helpers
James Leuluai
1979-86: Kiwis centre, 29 tests, 24 other tour games.
1981-86: Hull, three Challenge Cup finals, plus one replay to beat Widnes for his one win. Also played for Leigh, Wakefield-Trinity and Doncaster, playing more than 300 games in England.
1994: Wellington coach in Lion Red Cup.
1995-98: Mt Wellington Warriors, 1999 Otahuhu Leopards.
2002: Junior Kiwis coach.
2000-03: Eastern Tornadoes coach.
2004-05: Otahuhu-Ellerslie.
2003-04: Assistant to Daniel Anderson.
Phil Prescott
Canterbury, 3 titles with Halswell.
2000: appointed assistant to Gerard Stokes in Bartercard.
2002: appointed head coach. 2003: won title.
2004-05: beaten finalist.
2004-06: NZ A coach, beat Australia A 48-18 last year.
Sam Panapa
1987-91: Kiwis wing, 8 tests.
2006-07: Auckland coach.
2006: NZ Residents assistant.
