Rugby League: New man seeks his rivals' views

Top coaches must work together, says an enthusiastic Gary Freeman. PETER JESSUP talks to the new Kiwi coach.

New Kiwi coach Gary Freeman promised new blood in the team and a new exciting brand of football when his appointment, predicted in yesterday's Herald, was confirmed by the New Zealand Rugby League.

Freeman said one of his first tasks would be to call the big three who missed out - Junior Kiwis coach Gary Kemble, World Nines winner Graeme Norton and Residents and national competition-winning Canterbury coach Gerard Stokes.

He has already spoken to Warriors coach Daniel Anderson, who assured him they both had a huge talent pool to work with.

"We need better junior development," said Freeman. "We need everyone to be together, everyone going the same way, or we'll never beat Australia. We need the Warriors to be strong."

Freeman, aged 39, and the most-capped Kiwi with 46 tests and 19 as captain, said he would bring to the job enthusiasm, national pride and passion - and mainly a belief that the team could win. "Enthusiasm goes a long way."

Kiwi prop and St George Dragons captain Craig Smith was quoted in Australian papers this week as saying that the Kiwis lost the World Cup final because half the side were mentally defeated by the earlier Anzac thrashing and took the field believing they could not win.

Smith said that he, captain Richie Barnett, ex-skipper Stephen Kearney and Quentin Pongia tried to turn the attitude around but failed.

There is no doubting "The Wiz's" enthusiasm. But what will tell is how he handles the pressure that comes with sport's inevitable disappointments.

NZRL chairman Gerald Ryan said the board were unanimous in their acceptance of Freeman after the review panel of ex-coach Graham Lowe, ex-captain Jarrod McCracken and board member and businessman Bob Haddon named him as their first choice.

Ryan said Freeman had shown more technical know-how, came highly recommended by Balmain, Wests Tigers and State of Origin coach Wayne Pearce for his work as assistant with those sides, and had distinguished himself in junior grades in the NRL.

Norton, Kemble and Stokes are all bitterly disappointed to have missed out and mystified as to why. Of the three, Stokes apparently came second to Freeman. The other two were World Cup assistants to outgoing coach Frank Endacott.

Simply, Stokes would have been next recommendation because he is actively involved. Norton and Kemble need teams to lead so they can prove the ability they both have.

All three, the Warriors and the Kiwis need the NZRL to push more international contact so the game here can develop players, coaches, managers, referees and touch judges.

Ryan said the departure from the established line of succession came simply because the board believed a better guy had put his hand up.

Freeman may enlist help to watch the English-based players. Selection panel member McCracken is likely to be involved, possibly as one of two or three yet-to-be-chosen selectors who will pick the team with Freeman.

Freeman's tactics were "right up there with the best," said McCracken, who has been coached by Kangaroos boss Chris Anderson, Eels master Brian Smith, Lowe and Pearce.

Lowe is discussing his continued involvement, possibly at junior talent-spotting and development level. Former NZRL chief executive Gary Allcock may be back as Kiwi manager.