Former Kiwis fullback Gary Kemble will be confirmed as the new national coach today, sparking fury in Wellington's league community.
Kemble will meet with the New Zealand Rugby League to discuss terms before an official announcement is made tomorrow.
Shortlisted candidates, New Zealand A coach Phil Prescott and James Leuluai, are expected to be offered assistant positions.
Wellington Orcas coach Paul Bergman, who was also interviewed for the job, was philosophical yesterday, but The Dominion Post understands the Bartercard Cup side's chairman, Noel Kerrisk, has resigned from his Orcas post in disgust at the decision.
NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers would not confirm the appointment. He said last month the new coach must be "fully involved in the domestic high performance coaching and development structures".
Neither Kemble, Prescott or Leuluai are currently coaching, and Orcas chairman Kerrisk is believed to be furious Bergman was overlooked.
Kemble said he received a phone call from the NZRL yesterday but was hesitant to discuss details.
"I haven't signed anything ... all I've heard is they want to see me (today). I haven't even talked about anything. I would say that they'll be talking to me about contractual things."
Kemble said it would be an honour and a privilege to coach the Kiwis.
"I'm really pleased. Representing your country is always good, and if I have got the job it's great."
He will put his real estate business commitments on the backburner to focus on the Kiwis job.
Kemble, whose most recent coaching experience is leading the Counties Manukau Jetz to the Bartercard Cup playoffs last year, has extensive international experience with the Junior Kiwis, NZ Residents and NZ XIII sides during the 1990s.
He was an assistant coach at the Warriors in 2001-02 and was involved with the team that reached the 2002 NRL grand final.
Kemble admitted he had begun mulling over strategies for the October test match against Australia at Westpac Stadium, which is followed by a three-test tour of England.
"It's not going to be a rush job because everything's in place now.
"I think the first thing for whoever takes the team is getting in touch with the players to make sure that they're all onside."
Bergman said he hoped to be invited to assist Australian super coach Wayne Bennett for the All Golds' centennial match against the Northern Union in October.
Former Canterbury Bulls coach Prescott said he had yet to hear from the NZRL regarding an assistant position.
Former Kiwis captain Ruben Wiki, now retired from international league, said both Kemble and Prescott were up to international coaching standards. "They're good coaches in their own right, so whoever gets the job will no doubt do a good job for the Kiwis."
A total of 15 applications were received for the job of succeeding Leeds-bound Brian McClennan.
GARY KEMBLE
Playing record: 19 tests: 1980-86 Tries: 1.
Coaching record: Junior Kiwis: 1994, 1998-99 NZ Residents: 1995. NZ XIII: 1996-97. NZ A: 2002. Kiwis co-coach: 2000. Warriors: 2001-02.
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