League: Six gunning for Kiwis coaching position

The New Zealand Rugby League has received six expressions of interest in the Kiwis coaching position.

Former Kiwi Sam Stewart, coaching development officer for the Burleigh Bears on the Gold Coast, has made an approach on behalf of himself and ex-Kiwi great Mark Graham.

The Auckland Rugby League has nominated its coach and development officer, Stan Martin.

NZRL Wellington development officer and Bartercard Cup coach Paul Bergman also intends making a play.

Both assistants, James Leuluai and Brian McClennan, have expressed an intention to apply independently.

Tawera Nikau is in, and intending to take on Kevin Tamati and former Aussie coach Chris Anderson.

Former Kiwi player and Wigan coach Graeme West is apparently due to resettle south of Auckland after finishing overseas, but had not applied for the job up to yesterday.

Hibiscus Coast and Junior Kiwis coach Tony Benson has told the NZRL he intends putting his name forward to the new coach as his assistant.

NZRL deputy chairman Sel Bennett said the intention was to appoint one coach, not a pair or a team. The coach will then have a say in who the assistant is.

Frontrunner McClennan is believed to favour Graeme Norton as his assistant.

Bennett is considering the names of two "neutral" panellists to join him on a selection committee.

He expects to appoint them by Monday, and they must then work out a selection process.

It is not certain whether applications will be called for or whether the league will approach interested parties.