Wayne Bennett is one of the names on the shortlist to take over as New Zealand coach following Gary Kemble's resignation.
Former Kangaroos chief in the running for New Zealand post
Wayne Bennett could be in line to take over as New Zealand coach following Gary Kemble's resignation on Saturday.
Kemble decided to quit after captain Roy Asotasi and other leading players criticised his handling of the 2007 international programme.
He lasted just 155 days in his role with New Zealand, losing four of his five Tests in charge including a 58-0 drubbing at the hands of Australia.
Asotasi made no secret of his support for Bennett, who took charge of the New Zealand All Golds against the Northern Union in the Centenary international last year.
Shortlist
NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden has now confirmed that the former Australia boss is on a shortlist for the vacancy.
"We are taking everything one step at a time," Haffenden told The Sunday News. "Wayne is on the radar.
"People will have meetings now and come back with recommendations on where we go from here."
Although Bennett is currently the head coach of the Brisbane Broncos, the NRL outfit would allow him to work for the Kiwis as well as continuing his club duties.
The 58-year-old has had two previous spells in international rugby with the Kangaroos, as well as coaching Queensland in the State of Origin Series.
He resigned from his second stint in charge of Australia following their 24-0 defeat to New Zealand in the final of the 2005 Tri-Nations series.
