KEY POINTS:
Former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe has returned to the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) fold 21 years after he finished his four-year stint in charge of the national side.
NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers today announced that Lowe had been appointed the new national director of football.
Lowe said he was thrilled to be formally associated again after a 21-year break from the national body.
"This is hugely exciting for me," he said.
"I'm so proud and honoured I was able to coach the Kiwis in the 1980s (1983-86) and the passion for the game in this country has always burned within me.
"So to have this opportunity now is like a new beginning. There is much work that needs to be done is so many areas of the NZRL's football operations and I believe I can make an important contribution based on the experience I have. I want to play my part in trying to make a difference."
Chalmers said Lowe, who recently conducted an independent review of the NZRL's national competitions, would be responsible for creating and leading the football department.
Lowe would chair the NZRL's appointments committee as well as liaising with the national convener of selectors Howie Tamati. He would also provide support to Kiwis coach Brian McClennan when required.
"This is an absolutely critical appointment and Graham is the ideal person to fill this role," Chalmers said.
"In identifying the position we needed someone with a sufficient breadth of experience to lead and co-ordinate our football operations.
"We believe there is so much he can contribute to our game as we strive to build a world-class football department."
McClennan welcomed Lowe's appointment.
"Everyone knows Graham has a huge love for the game, as we all do," he said.
"He has clear views about rugby league and has a wealth of experience. It's a good sign for rugby league in this country that people of his calibre are now being included.
"I've always been able to approach Graham if needed so, in that respect, nothing changes but it's great to see him brought on board."
Chalmers said Lowe's appointment rounded out the NZRL football department.
Apart from McClennan as Kiwi coach, former Kiwis Tony Iro (assistant Kiwis coach and national selector), Howie Tamati (convener of national selectors) and Tony Kemp (national high performance director) are all involved.
Director of coaching Dennis Ward and competitions commissioner Kevin Bailey also work in the football department.
After coaching Otahuhu to numerous titles in the Auckland club competition in 1977-78, Lowe moved to Brisbane where he guided Norths from 1979-82, winning the premiership in his second season.
His Kiwis coaching career from 1983-86 was followed by a title-laden three years with Wigan in England before he linked with Manly in the Winfield Cup.
While still in that job he became the first and still only non-Australian to coach a State of Origin side when he was appointed to the Queensland job.
He won the Origin series at his first attempt before health problems forced him to curtail his coaching activity after the 1992 season.
Lowe later returned to coach Western Samoa at the 1995 World Cup and he also coached North Queensland in 1996 before becoming a part owner of the Warriors in late 1998.
- NZPA
