wayne bennett signs on as kiwis coach

[Archangel2]

Finally some good news!!!! Hope this aint wishfull thinking but maybe we are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel(no it aint a train light!) Now hopefully they can start repairing the game around the country! Would be good to get on here and not winge but be able to congratulate NZRL on positive things that move the game forward for everyone.
Think Kearns will do a good job! Goit an astute brain, knows his league and understands players. And he's a Wellingtonian!!! And I agree with Dr Crane! Worse things could have happened! Feel for Prescott though...who knows maybe he will get a role as assistant...And a Aucklander as Manager, would probably actually sit well around the porvinces. JOE D yeah lets hope its, Benny sitting in the stands next to Kearns during the game. Skinner your quote; "They're unlikely bed fellows but I can see it working." Yeah though Kearns aint a big talker either...so might work well.

Anyways I think we got a chance now at the WC, and as for the Centenial Test, Sticky maybe having a few sleepless nights...thinking this through. Hey anyone know how Leeds went this weekend?

 

[Skinner]

My thoughts as well. also WTF is an advisor? is he sitting in the stands next to him during the game? or does he give him a little pep talk every 6 months over the phone?

Hopefully Joe, someone asked those type of questions at the press conference.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Happy with the arrangement, lets hope it works

Reading some of the comments on here crack me up too, the media **** up and send out completely opposite stories and even that is the fault of the NZRL :lol:

On a side note, what a bloody joke we have as the leading Sports Radio station in this country. I received an SMS from Australia informing me of the news before it has even bloody been announced on Radio Sport !!! The sound of Matt Gunns own voice was too important to cross live to get the news

 

[Beavers Headgear]

I have heard Bennett is not confirmed through til the WC, he will review the situation post the test in July

 

[Skinner]

The official media release : http://www.nzrl.co.nz/files/media_releases/kearney_bennett_11feb2008.pdf

Doesn't say a lot more though..

MEDIA RELEASE|FEBRUARY 11, 2008

KEARNEY AND BENNETT TEAM UP TO LEAD KIWIS

Auckland, New Zealand, February 10, 2008 – The New Zealand Rugby League today named Stephen Kearney as the new Kiwi coach and confirmed Wayne Bennett in an advisory role. While former Kiwi captain and current Melbourne Storm assistant coach Kearney becomes the 28th Kiwi coach in history, Bennett, who has guided Australia, Queensland and Brisbane, has been named coaching and management adviser.

“We’re absolutely delighted to announce Stephen and Wayne are joining forces with the Kiwis,” said NZRL Chairman Ray Haffenden.

“After the challenging times we’ve had lately it’s a tremendous boost to have someone of
Stephen’s mana to coach the Kiwis while Wayne’s experience as the outstanding coach of his generation will be a huge benefit for Stephen, the players and the entire organisation.
“Our priority has been securing the services of Stephen and Wayne as a team to lead the Kiwis in the Centenary Test against Australia (in Sydney on May 9).

“This is a big year with the World Cup coming up but our immediate focus is on the test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It celebrates the centenary of the first test played between New Zealand and Australia, an occasion that’s extremely important to both nations.”

Haffenden added the Kearney-Bennett team would operate for the May 9 test with a view to continuing in the World Cup in Australia in late October. Kearney has an initial two-year contract.

The 35-year-old played 45 tests from 1993-2004 and made 264 NRL appearances from 1992-2004, the most by a New Zealander until Ruben Wiki topped that mark in 2006. He finished his playing career with Hull FC in the English Super League in 2005 before taking up a position as assistant coach to Craig Bellamy at the Storm.

“I was honoured to play for the Kiwis over a long period of time and it’s a huge thrill to now be appointed Kiwi coach,” he said from Melbourne.

“It’s also great to know I’ll have the chance to work alongside a coach like Wayne, who has achieved so much in the game and made such a fantastic contribution to rugby league over so many years.

“I’ve been lucky enough to learn from an excellent coach like Craig (Bellamy) and it’s amazing now to know I’ll be able to learn even more from someone who has done as much as Wayne has.”

Bennett (58), who has been coaching at first-grade level since 1987, said he was just as excited about the challenge ahead.

“I’m a great believer that we need to do all we can to build up the international game,” he said from Brisbane.

“I’m keen to help New Zealand rugby league but I believe it’s vital that the coach is a New
Zealander. I couldn’t think of a finer man for the job than Stephen and I’m really looking forward to helping him in any way I can. It’s important that he’s in the job long-term because you need that continuity when you’re rebuilding a side.

“New Zealand rugby league has a wonderful pool of playing talent. I’ve always said the Kiwis could be anything and I saw that first-hand working with the All Golds last year.

“That was a terrific experience for me personally and a tremendous honour to be asked to be involved. I have a very special appreciation now of what it is that makes New Zealand players so special and that’s what makes this opportunity so exciting.

“It’s going to be a privilege to be a part of it and that’s just what I want to be – to be a part of it, working with the coaching staff, management and players.”

Bennett has been Brisbane’s only coach since entering the premiership in 1988. The Broncos have won each of the six grand finals they’ve played in under Bennett. He also won five State of Origin series as Queensland coach.

Haffenden said the announcement centred only on the appointments of Kearney and Bennett. He said other positions in the coaching and management team would be confirmed as soon as possible.
Tickets for the Centenary Test go on sale on March 18 for season ticket holders and March 20 to the general public. They will be on sale both days at 9.00am AEST and can be purchased through Ticketek.

STEPHEN KEARNEY

Born: June 11, 1972
Birthplace: Paraparaumu, NZ

New Zealand Clubs: Kapiti Bears, Randwick Kingfishers

Coaching Career: Melbourne Storm assistant coach 2006-

International Career: 45 tests for Kiwis, 1993-2004

36 points (9 tries)

Kiwi captain 2 tests, 1993 and 1997

Kiwi Number: 640

NRL Career: 264 appearances, 1992-2004:

Western Suburbs: 46 games, 1992-94

Warriors (Club Number: 11): 79 games, 1995-98

Melbourne: 139 games, 1999-2004

NRL Points: 148 (37 tries)

Western Suburbs: 24 points (6 tries)

Warriors: 44 points (11 tries)

Melbourne: 80 points (20 tries)


WAYNE BENNETT

Born: January 1, 1950

Coaching Career: Ipswich, 1976
Brisbane Souths, 1977-79, 1984-85
Brisbane Brothers, 1980-82
Canberra, 1987
Brisbane, 1988-

Queensland Origin, 1986-88, 1998, 2001-03 (5 series wins)

Australia, 1998, 2004-05 (Won Tri Nations 2004)

NRL Coaching Record: 528 games, 337 wins, 11 Draws, 180 losses (6 premierships)

Playing Career: International: Australia, 1971 (New Zealand tour)
Queensland: 7 games, 1971-73

Clubs: Warwick, Toowoomba, Brothers (Brisbane), Ipswich, Souths
(Brisbane)

For further information contact:
Richard Becht
Media Manager
New Zealand Rugby League
Mobile: + 64 21 814 537
Email: media@nzrl.co.nz

 

[da mad maori]

I am very very happy. in fact I am excited to be fair.
You asked the question Skinner
I tell.
Remember that line.
Now who's the assistant.
And selectors
And Managers
and how close are the NZRL allowed to be near the team. 1000000000 miles ???

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

He could be a player coach. Wouldnt lose much

 

[Skinner]

He could be a player coach. Wouldnt lose much

might have to be :sarcasm:

 

[ozbash]

why am i worried about this ?

is kearney inadvertantly being set up to fail a la kemble ?

apart from his being bellamy's understudy ( which in itself is a positive, i guess) what qualifications does he have, if any ?

has he had anything at all to do with bennett ?

now we hear (beavers) that benny may not be there for the long hall, if we get yet another shellacking in the ANZAC he might say "bugger this".
leaving steve high and dry and reliant on the NZRL....

 

[AuckMel]

Are Dave and Roy ok with this?

 

[Beavers Headgear]

I had someone say something to me at work today, wish i had thought of it earlier then i could have campaigned for it !!!

T. Raudonikis as coach :lol:

Would have been awesome. Roy and co challenge him and appear in the paper the next morning with black eyes. If they were getting a hiding they would be scared to come into the sheds at halftime.

Only downside would be the media getting hold of the shenanigans that went on at the legendry Tommy bonding sessions :lol:

 

[Dr Crane]

Reading some of the comments on here crack me up too, the media **** up and send out completely opposite stories and even that is the fault of the NZRL :lol:

You may just, possibly, have missed the point.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

You may just, possibly, have missed the point.

No, i noted the intent and sarcasm in your posts. I still find it all generally funny though

 

[Skinner]

I had someone say something to me at work today, wish i had thought of it earlier then i could have campaigned for it !!!

T. Raudonikis as coach :lol:

Would have been awesome. Roy and co challenge him and appear in the paper the next morning with black eyes. If they were getting a hiding they would be scared to come into the sheds at halftime.

Only downside would be the media getting hold of the shenanigans that went on at the legendry Tommy bonding sessions :lol:

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh now there's a thought (glances fondly at the avatar) Tommy is the
man, always has been, always will be.....none of this sensitive new age bullsh*t. Y'know
where ya stand (or sit on yer arse) with Tommy.

In fact......if Dallas were alive, he'd be assistant. Les (Choir Boy) Boyd, he'd be trainer,
and by christ, those sooky la la's would fuggin train all freakin day or really cop it.

FMD those were the days....that's where I cut my teeth. Jeez I miss those days.

 

[Archangel2]

Just chucked up on Yahoo Au news...

Kearney, Bennett join forces for NZRL
AAP - February 11, 2008, 4:36 pm

Newly-appointed New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney says one of his first assignments is to restore some pride in the Test jersey ahead of this year's rugby league World Cup.

And he'll have help from one of the best coaches in the game, with Brisbane mentor Wayne Bennett joining the Kiwi staff as an advisor.

Currently an assistant with NRL premier Melbourne, the former Test skipper was personally selected by Bennett for the role after the former Australia coach insisted a New Zealander have the top job.

Kearney takes over from Gary Kemble, who quit amidst a threatened player revolt following a 58-0 loss to Australia and a 3-0 series whitewash in against England late last year.

He said he had spoken to the senior player group, including captain Roy Asotasi, and had their full support.

Bennett, who will leave the Brisbane NRL club at the end of 2008 after 21 seasons, was tipped to take on the top job but said Monday it was "vital" that a New Zealander had the post.

His role is initially for the centenary Test against Australia in Sydney on May 9 with a view to continuing it through to the World Cup campaign at the end of the year.

"I'm a great believer that we need to do all we can to build up the international game," the six-time premiership winning coach said in a statement.

"I'm keen to help New Zealand rugby league but I believe it's vital that the coach is a New Zealander.

"I couldn't think of a finer man for the job than Stephen and I'm really looking forward to helping him in any way I can."

Contracted for the next two years, Kearney returned the compliment.

"It's a dream really for me," Kearney said.

"Each week I get to work with (Storm coach) Craig Bellamy, who's one of the best in the business and now I get the opportunity to work with Wayne Bennett, who I certainly hold in high regard so it's going to be a great experience."

Both men spoke of the talent within the Kiwi ranks but Kearney said they needed to regain their pride and passion if they were to challenge the world champion Australians.

"We need to play with a lot more pride and passion than we did last year and that's something as a Kiwi group we've always held in high esteem and something we definitely want to bring back to the Kiwi jersey," he said.

"From the results that we saw at the end of last year there was an element of that missing, among other things."

Despite his lack of coaching experience compared to Bennett, Kearney said there would be no dispute over who called the shots.

"We've made things pretty clear right from the start, he's been wonderful like that and he said the coaching will be left up to me, obviously with his guidance and expertise."

The seed was planted for Bennett to be involved with the Kiwis last year after he accepted an invitation to hold the national reins for the historic New Zealand All Golds clash against the Northern Union in England.

"I've always said the Kiwis could be anything and I saw that first-hand working with the All Golds last year," Bennett said.

"I have a very special appreciation now of what it is that makes New Zealand players so special and that's what makes this opportunity so exciting.

"It's going to be a privilege to be a part of it and that's just what I want to be - to be a part of it, working with the coaching staff, management and players."

Kearney said Bellamy and the Melbourne Storm had been very supportive of him taking on the role.

"Obviously my first priority is Melbourne Storm each week and I certainly don't want it to interfere with that," said Kearney.

"The first match is the Centenary Test in May and with Wayne on board we've got a bit of time to get things together."

 

[Archangel2]

One has to wonder if Crayfish had taken the offer to have Benny as a mentor would he still be there?

 

[playdaball]

Tame Topou said it was like going back to the Eastern Tornadoes playing under Gary Kemble.

Steve Kearney will at least be familiar with the latest coaching techniques being at the current NRL Premiers, Melbourne Storm.

He cannot do any worse than the 2007 Kiwis.

 

[ozbash]

He cannot do any worse than the 2007 Kiwis.

I guess thats dead right, but i would hate to see someone with his potential wrecked forever by the f**kwits running our game.

benny seems to be being used as insurance from the enemy within.....

love to know what authority the guy has, does he call the shots or is it kearney,, the nzrl,, the players ?

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh now there's a thought (glances fondly at the avatar) Tommy is the
man, always has been, always will be.....none of this sensitive new age bullsh*t. Y'know
where ya stand (or sit on yer arse) with Tommy.

In fact......if Dallas were alive, he'd be assistant. Les (Choir Boy) Boyd, he'd be trainer,
and by christ, those sooky la la's would fuggin train all freakin day or really cop it.

FMD those were the days....that's where I cut my teeth. Jeez I miss those days.

I love hearing the old Tommy stories

Recently read one, may have been in Johns book, about how the Magpies were playing in Townsville, and he sensed they were down before the game so asked the manager to find a shovel and leave it in the dressing rooms. His senses were right and they got flogged in the 1st half. When the players came in at halftime he went bezerk and smashed every window in the rooms with the shovel :lol: :lol: :lol: Wests went out and won the 2nd half hehe

 

[MKEB...]

Heffenden said in an interview on sky news that Benny is going to advise on management too. Is that a concession from the NZRL (or something resembling a concession) that the NZRL realise that they know next to nowt and are prepared to eat some humble pie and maybe learn something?