KEY POINTS:
James Leuluai has been convinced to apply for the Kiwis coaching job and is seen as one of the favourites alongside Wellington's Paul Bergman.
Leuluai told the Herald on Sunday last week that he was unlikely to put his hat in the ring because 2004 was the last time he had coached and one of the NZRL's wishes was to appoint an active coach.
However, the man who was tipped to have been appointed last time in 2005 only to withdraw from the race at the final minute has had a change of heart.
"The NZRL asked me if I would consider applying," said Leuluai, who filed his application on Friday at the last minute after talking it through with his wife and childhood coach Bob McKee.
Although he said it wasn't perfect timing, "if you wait until you're ready, the opportunity might not be there. I might as well put my hand up now and see what happens.
"I don't think I'm a favourite just because of what happened two years ago. It's a whole new ball game this time and it all starts from scratch."
Leuluai is well liked and admired in league circles. He was Kiwis assistant alongside Brian McClennan when Daniel Anderson held the top job and he has been named as Wayne Bennett's assistant for the All Golds match on October 21.
The former Kiwis centre had been considering a return to coaching after being approached by a handful of clubs. His business and family commitments had also eased.
Some league insiders still think Bergman has the inside running for the job, while former Canterbury coach Phil Prescott is considered another strong candidate.
As many as 15 applicants met Friday's deadline. These include Leuluai, Bergman, Prescott, Gary Kemble, Duane Mann, Bernie Perenara, David Lomax and Graeme Norton.
Norton, who was McClennan's No 2 until he picked up the Auckland Lions job for their first season in the NSW Premier League, joined the race last week and based his application on Warriors assistant John Ackland working alongside him.
"I have been impressed with the CVs that have come through," said Howie Tamati, who will make a recommendation to the board along with Graham Lowe and Frank Endacott. "It's encouraging to see we have depth in our coaching and it's important that those who miss out are involved in New Zealand rugby league somewhere."
A shortlist of candidates will be drawn up and interviews held by Lowe, Tamati and Endacott on Thursday. An announcement on the successful candidate is likely early the following week.
