Gary Kemble will coach the Kiwis through the World Cup in Australia next year.
The New Zealand Rugby League has put their faith in Gary Kemble, extending his position as coach till the end of the 2008 World Cup in Australia.
There was doubt as to whether Kemble would stay on after the Kiwis suffered a record 58-0 defeat to Australia in October and went on to be whitewashed 3-0 by Great Britain, but it appears a 22-14 win over France has earned him brownie points.
"The Test against Australia and the following tour to Britain and France provided a difficult assignment for everyone involved," said Kemble. "While results didn't go the way we hoped, I have always wanted to continue in the role.
"There's much work to be done and I'm confident the Kiwis will perform well in next year's Centenary Test against Australia [May 9] and then in the World Cup."
Kemble, a former Hull and New Zealand full-back, took over from Brian McClennan, the newly-appointed Leeds coach, in August. Despite winning just one of five Tests to start his tenure, he found favor with his employers.
"Gary has the board's support to continue as coach through to the World Cup, as he was contracted to do when he was appointed," said NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden, who succeeded Andrew Chalmers as NZRL chairman at the end of the tour of Britain and France. "In beginning our review of the tour today, our focus was on the head coach's job and, after considering reports, we have stayed with the status quo."
Kemble has had his share of critics, however, who believe he failed to win the respect of his players. Kiwi captain Roy Asotasi and Hugh McGahan, the former Leeds and New Zealand forward, are two vocal objectors. "Gary hasn't been coaching at this level and has no experience at National Rugby League or Super League level -- he really has to work hard to try and make up," Asotasi said recently. "A lot of players have been coached by elite coaches ... Gary's approach is a bit different and we are just trying to do our best to work with him."
Kemble also has injury concerns on his hands, with as many as eight of the starting line-up from the England tour unlikely to make the May Test.
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The New Zealand Rugby League has put their faith in Gary Kemble, extending his position as coach till the end of the 2008 World Cup in Australia.
There was doubt as to whether Kemble would stay on after the Kiwis suffered a record 58-0 defeat to Australia in October and went on to be whitewashed 3-0 by Great Britain, but it appears a 22-14 win over France has earned him brownie points.
"The Test against Australia and the following tour to Britain and France provided a difficult assignment for everyone involved," said Kemble. "While results didn't go the way we hoped, I have always wanted to continue in the role.
"There's much work to be done and I'm confident the Kiwis will perform well in next year's Centenary Test against Australia [May 9] and then in the World Cup."
Kemble, a former Hull and New Zealand full-back, took over from Brian McClennan, the newly-appointed Leeds coach, in August. Despite winning just one of five Tests to start his tenure, he found favor with his employers.
"Gary has the board's support to continue as coach through to the World Cup, as he was contracted to do when he was appointed," said NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden, who succeeded Andrew Chalmers as NZRL chairman at the end of the tour of Britain and France. "In beginning our review of the tour today, our focus was on the head coach's job and, after considering reports, we have stayed with the status quo."
Kemble has had his share of critics, however, who believe he failed to win the respect of his players. Kiwi captain Roy Asotasi and Hugh McGahan, the former Leeds and New Zealand forward, are two vocal objectors. "Gary hasn't been coaching at this level and has no experience at National Rugby League or Super League level -- he really has to work hard to try and make up," Asotasi said recently. "A lot of players have been coached by elite coaches ... Gary's approach is a bit different and we are just trying to do our best to work with him."
Kemble also has injury concerns on his hands, with as many as eight of the starting line-up from the England tour unlikely to make the May Test.
Original Story:
http://www.rugbydirt.com/featured_articl....
