Rugby League: Kearney props up coach

Long-serving second-rower Stephen Kearney has come to the defence of Kiwis coach Gary Freeman, who was heavily criticised after last weekend's third-test loss against Great Britain at Wigan.

Kearney said from Melbourne that the treatment was unfair and Freeman would receive his "100 per cent backing" in any tour debrief.

There have been calls for Freeman to be sacked, but Kearney said that in view of the team's exceptional record in Britain - five wins, a draw and a loss - he regarded the tour as a "pretty successful one," particularly compared with previous visits.

Kearney, 30, left the team after the 14-14 draw in the second test at Huddersfield to be with his daughter, Samantha, who was sick. She has since recovered.

"I'm fully supportive of Gary and the team management," Kearney said. "I would back Gary's retention as coach. He's new to it, he's done a great job. It's not the time to do anything drastic.

"The previous coach, Frank Endacott, established his culture in the side over the years. We need some consistency and time for Gary to make his mark.

"The players need to look at themselves in terms of the test results. They are just as responsible as the management for what occurred."



Kearney said that although it was disappointing to draw the three-test series after last Sunday's 16-10 loss at Wigan, people had to understand the circumstances.

"We left behind so many quality players, or they were injured on tour. We had to endure soft grounds, poor weather and refereeing interpretations we did not always understand.

"It's been a tough trip. We need to look at the length of it in future. A lot of the guys look tired. Those in the Warriors haven't had a break since the start of the year."

New Zealand Rugby League president Selwyn Pearson will hold a tour debrief following the Kiwis' last match against France tomorrow. It will include input from captain Stacey Jones and senior players Kearney and Ruben Wiki.

- NZPA