League: NZRL need right package to hang on to McClennan

The NZRL will re-enter talks with Brian McClennan tomorrow in the hope of officially securing one of the hottest properties in international league.

It seems somewhat ironic that the Kiwis coach was not even the NZRL's first choice six months ago before James Leuluai withdrew from the race to replace Daniel Anderson, effectively handing McClennan the post. Since then, the Kiwis' success has been well documented and the national body hopes they can come to some sort of agreement this week to secure McClennan until the end of 2008.

McClennan has said he doesn't want to be a "one-year wonder" and has a "gentleman's handshake" to remain at the helm of the Kiwis. But the Mt Albert Lions boss has already rebuffed an approach by Super League club Castleford and has ambitions to coach at NRL level.

"I'm just taking my time over it [signing the contract]," McClennan said. "There are no dramas about it, there's no hurry. Obviously there are plenty of things to go through."

NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson said the job of Kiwis coach would be a full-time one, although McClennan will continue to coach Mt Albert in the Bartercard Cup. "I think as a national coach Brian needs to be working full time because my dream has always been for the Kiwis to be more competitive," he said. "Last year we dominated and Brian needs to focus on the Kiwis. It's given us enormous credibility."

Before resigning to join St Helens last year, Anderson put in place a five-year plan as well as conducting a competitions review meaning McClennan will be able to focus solely on coaching. If he continues to achieve success with the Kiwis, Pearson is realistic about hanging on to him until the end of 2008.

"NRL clubs might be looking at him, and why wouldn't they?" he said. "We would love to keep him until the end of 2008 but his dreams are to coach professionally. It would be particularly mean-spirited of the NZRL to stand in his way if an offer came along that was too good for him to turn down."

Former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe is adamant the NZRL must keep McClennan in New Zealand.

"It's up to the NZRL to make it attractive enough so he's not tempted by the NRL or Super League," Lowe said. "The NZRL isn't flush with money but it's up to them to put together a good package."

The Kiwis' first assignment in 2006 will be the Anzac test in Australia on May 5.

Although he's been on holiday, May 5 is never far from McClennan's thoughts. "I'm constantly thinking about the team now and always will be," he admitted.

The chances of seeing Benji Marshall in that game have improved considering the 20-year-old is making a quicker recovery from shoulder surgery than expected and should be back in action soon after the start of the NRL in March.

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The NZRL have sought expressions of interest from 10 stadiums before deciding on venues for October/November's Tri-Nations. The tender process closes at the end of this month and venues should be decided by March.

The venues are: Carisbrook, Jade Stadium, Wellington's Westpac Stadium, Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth, Rotorua International Stadium, Waikato Stadium, Bluechip Stadium in Tauranga, Eden Park, North Harbour Stadium and Ericsson Stadium.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY