Robertson tipped for Counties

By CHRIS RATTUE

Bruce Robertson is set to become part of Counties Manukau's bid to return to the NPC first division.

The legendary All Black centre is tipped to be named in the Counties Manukau coaching panel, possibly today.

An elegant centre, Robertson made his name with the province when it was known as Counties, but his coaching career has been in the Auckland union's back room. Robertson also assisted Peter Sloane with the New Zealand Colts.

The Steelers must find a new coach after John Boe, who replaced Andrew Talaimanu, stepped down before a ball was kicked so he could concentrate on Samoa's World Cup campaign.

Boe's intended deputy, Mike Turner, who has coached Thames Valley, is understood to have been considered as a coaching partner with Robertson.

Others believed to have been in the frame include deposed Waikato coach Kiwi Searancke, and Counties Manukau stalwart Russell Reardon. But the Steelers have been negotiating with Auckland about securing Robertson, who is a technical assistant with the Blues.

That has created some complications, because Robertson would have to cross Super 12 coaching boundaries to take a role with the Steelers, who are now in the Chiefs' franchise.

Relegated to the second division last year, Counties Manukau appear determined to have a high-profile character in their coaching line-up as they seek a return to the top division.