KEY POINTS:
Under-seige Kiwis coach Gary Kemble resigned today, saying a key consideration to his move was the game's best interests.
Kemble told senior New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) officials of his decision when he met with them late this afternoon after returning from a fact-finding trip to Sydney last night.
Kemble had sought opinions from players in the wake of claims by captain Roy Asotasi and experienced second rower David Kidwell that they and other senior players had no confidence in him as coach.
"I deliberately stayed away from making any comment about the situation during the week after what Roy and David had said," Kemble said in a statement released by the NZRL today.
"As a former Kiwi player, I'd have to say it was very disappointing to see the way they handled the issue. They could have gone through other channels.
"After my trip to Sydney, I believe I still had support from a number of players and I was keen to continue as Kiwis coach through to the World Cup later this year.
" But what matters to me most is the Kiwi jersey and the game itself.
"I want to see the Kiwis having the best possible chance of winning the World Cup and, to help make that possible, I've decided it's in New Zealand rugby league's best interests that I should step aside."
Kemble's tenure got off to a disastrous start with a 58-0 hiding inflicted by the Kangaroos in Wellington, followed by a 3-0 series whitewash delivered by Great Britain, before the Kiwis scraped home 22-14 against France.
He said that family considerations were also an important factor in reaching the decision.
"This whole business has been difficult for them and when it affects the people close to you, there's only one choice."
NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden was equally disappointed with the outcome.
"This hasn't been a good week for the game in this country," he said.
"As a board we weren't at all impressed with the conduct of the players in this matter. It wasn't appropriate or acceptable.
"We're disappointed Gary has resigned but we admire him for the courage he has shown in making this tough decision and also for the dignified way he has handled himself.
"Like Gary, we want what is best for the game and, if this helps us later in the year, we'll owe a great deal to Gary."
Haffenden said the NZRL would begin the process to find a new coach as soon possible.
Haffenden told NZPA that the board had rescinded the rule requiring the coach to be a New Zealand resident at its meeting in Auckland yesterday.
Brisbane Broncos National Rugby League coach Wayne Bennett is a front runner to succeed Kemble although Haffenden preferred to describe him as a "contender".
The NZRL would take as long as it needed to make the right decision.
"I have spoken to Wayne Bennett on two occasion previously but we will wait until the football department makes their recommendation and the board would then look at the recommendations," Haffenden said.
The way is clear for Bennett's involvement with the Kiwis from the Broncos' perspective after club boss Bruno Cullen said yesterday the coach would be free to help the Kiwis in the centenary test, if appointed.
"We've always encouraged players and coaching staff here, not just Wayne (to take up representative roles)," he told AAP.
"We are not going to stand in anyone's way to take up higher honours - they work hard for them and deserve them."
- NZPA
