KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Rugby League is in full damage control mode as it seeks to head off a player revolt against the reappointment of coach Gary Kemble.
Kemble was sent to Sydney to speak to key players and selectors as Wayne Bennett confirmed his interest in a role with the Kiwis.
Kemble was to have crossed the Tasman early this year to start World Cup preparations but the trip was brought forward in light of continuing player unrest.
He had talks with long-time selector Darrell Williams and Eels skipper Nathan Cayless, who now shapes as the new captain for the Anzac test and World Cup campaign.
It's clear the wider squad have no faith in Kemble and that they believe they are "no chance" - David Kidwell's words - of winning the Cup in Australia at the end of the season if Kemble remains in charge.
Roy Asotasi's South Sydney teammate Kidwell, who was a possible captaincy replacement if the board were to seek one, yesterday sided with the incumbent Kiwis skipper in questioning Kemble's ability. Now it seems he will also receive a reprimand after the board meets tomorrow.
Kidwell told Radio Sport the players had no confidence in Kemble and that their stand was in the best interests of the black and white jersey. "We want to win the World Cup this year. We've got a guy like Wayne Bennett who wants to coach us. Why wouldn't we want the best person? We've got the backing of all the senior players in Australia, we wouldn't come out and say this without the backing of them."
The players are threatening a boycott but that seems unlikely. Some with Polynesian heritage have explored their chances of switching to Tonga, and to the strong Samoa side which is stacked with ex-Kiwis, but were told they are ineligible under the Rugby League International Federation rules.
No players from this group would go on the record yesterday. Sonny Bill Williams and Benji Marshall, who did not tour the UK last year through injury wouldn't comment. Others who toured, who have in the range of six to 12 test caps, wouldn't speak on the record.
The NZRL appears disinclined to back down on its appointment of Kemble, saying yesterday that Kidwell's statements would be discussed at the full board meeting tomorrow.
Asotasi's expression of mistrust and the call for Bennett to be appointed to the World Cup coaching staff had accelerated a process that was already under way, NZRL manager Peter Cordtz said yesterday.
"We have had discussions with Wayne since the All Golds tour, once we became aware he was keen to help New Zealand rugby league in whatever way he could," Cordtz said.
"All of this has pre-empted the discussion the board was to have on Friday."
Kemble had been hamstrung to a certain extent because he was awaiting the board decision on assistants, Bennett's exact role and other details.
NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden has spoken to Bennett since the ruckus erupted. Bennett confirmed his interest in helping the Kiwis and wants an NZRL official to meet him in Brisbane to settle details.
But Cordtz said there was no suggestion at this stage that the board would put Bennett in charge with Kemble as assistant.
Kemble was again not speaking yesterday.
