New Zealand coach Gary Kemble has bowed to player power and resigned after just 155 days in the job.
Position untenable after revolt
New Zealand coach Gary Kemble has bowed to player power and resigned after just 155 days in the job.
The Kiwis were thrashed 58-0 by Australia and then whitewashed 3-0 in their recent tour of Great Britain and last week a number of senior players said they had lost confidence in the coach.
Kiwi captain Roy Asotasi called for former Australia coach Wayne Bennett to be given an advisory role in the New Zealand management structure.
Other senior players joined Asotasi in expressing either lukewarm support or open criticism of Kemble.
Channels
Kemble flew to Sydney last week to meet with Asotasi and other senior players but was unable to secure their backing.
"As a former Kiwi player, I'd have to say it was very disappointing to see the way they (the players) handled the issue," Kemble said. "They could have gone through other channels.
"After my trip to Sydney, I believe I still had support from a number of players and I was keen to continue as Kiwis coach through to the World Cup later this year.
"But what matters to me most is the Kiwi jersey and the game itself. I want to see the Kiwis having the best possible chance of winning the World Cup and, to help make that possible, I've decided it's in New Zealand rugby league's best interests that I should step aside."
Conduct
New Zealand Rugby League chairman Ray Haffenden added: "This hasn't been a good week for the game in this country.
"As a board we weren't at all impressed with the conduct of the players in this matter. It wasn't appropriate or acceptable."
Bennett is now expected to be appointed to a coaching role with the Kiwi team ahead of this year's World Cup in Australia.
