From NRL.com
Chris Anderson, the man who led Australia to rugby league World Cup glory in 2000, wants to coach against the champions in the next tournament.
The premiership-winning former Bulldogs, Melbourne and Cronulla boss oversaw Samoa's 32-20 loss to Tonga at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night.
And while he has no plans to take a fulltime job in rugby league following his stint in Welsh rugby union last year, when asked if he wanted to see the Samoans through to the 2008 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Anderson said: "Yeah. I enjoyed it".
"We've got to have a talk, it was mainly this game. It's a good thing. With so many good athletes in the Pacific islands, we're mad not to promote them.
"I haven't really been looking (for work). I might just get a job in business, just muck about with a bit of stuff.
I've got a few irons in the fire. You've got to make up your mind which direction you go."
After seeing his side fight back from 26-0 down at halftime, the former Kangaroos winger said pulling together fully professional national sides for the developing countries - something the Home Nations have done for several years - was "long overdue".
"They are certainly commited to their country," he said. "It's been good to be with them for a couple of days, they're a good mob of blokes."
Tongan assistant coach Royce Simmons, Tim Sheens' offsider at NRL premiers Wests Tigers, is another who wants to try to steer his side to qualify for the tournament, likely to be held in March as part of the 100th anniversary of league in Australia.
"I'd like to - that's up to the Tongans," said Simmons, who was assisted by Sydney Roosters coaching staff member Jim Dymock and Wests Tigers head trainer Bryan Hider.
And Simmons called for a tough stance against all clubs who try to withhold players from the World Cup and it's build-up - not just for those who are picked by Australia and New Zealand.
"There's a hell of a lot of blokes who people wouldn't even realise are Tongan and Samoan," he said. "They are quality players.
"In all honesty ... unless a player has got an injury and a doctor's certificate, it should be just treated like any other international.
"Tonga and Samoa should be treated just like Australia and New Zealand."
Australia, New Zealand, England, France and Papua New Guinea are set to be automatic qualifiers for the 2008 World Cup with up to 25 other countries competing for the final five berths in regional play-offs.
Chris Anderson, the man who led Australia to rugby league World Cup glory in 2000, wants to coach against the champions in the next tournament.
The premiership-winning former Bulldogs, Melbourne and Cronulla boss oversaw Samoa's 32-20 loss to Tonga at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night.
And while he has no plans to take a fulltime job in rugby league following his stint in Welsh rugby union last year, when asked if he wanted to see the Samoans through to the 2008 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Anderson said: "Yeah. I enjoyed it".
"We've got to have a talk, it was mainly this game. It's a good thing. With so many good athletes in the Pacific islands, we're mad not to promote them.
"I haven't really been looking (for work). I might just get a job in business, just muck about with a bit of stuff.
I've got a few irons in the fire. You've got to make up your mind which direction you go."
After seeing his side fight back from 26-0 down at halftime, the former Kangaroos winger said pulling together fully professional national sides for the developing countries - something the Home Nations have done for several years - was "long overdue".
"They are certainly commited to their country," he said. "It's been good to be with them for a couple of days, they're a good mob of blokes."
Tongan assistant coach Royce Simmons, Tim Sheens' offsider at NRL premiers Wests Tigers, is another who wants to try to steer his side to qualify for the tournament, likely to be held in March as part of the 100th anniversary of league in Australia.
"I'd like to - that's up to the Tongans," said Simmons, who was assisted by Sydney Roosters coaching staff member Jim Dymock and Wests Tigers head trainer Bryan Hider.
And Simmons called for a tough stance against all clubs who try to withhold players from the World Cup and it's build-up - not just for those who are picked by Australia and New Zealand.
"There's a hell of a lot of blokes who people wouldn't even realise are Tongan and Samoan," he said. "They are quality players.
"In all honesty ... unless a player has got an injury and a doctor's certificate, it should be just treated like any other international.
"Tonga and Samoa should be treated just like Australia and New Zealand."
Australia, New Zealand, England, France and Papua New Guinea are set to be automatic qualifiers for the 2008 World Cup with up to 25 other countries competing for the final five berths in regional play-offs.
