League runs in Bluey's veins

YOU can't help but like former Kiwis coach Brian McClennan - there is just something about him. After only five minutes Bluey makes you feel as if you're part of his league family.
"That's the strength of our game. It's the relationships that you make through playing, through different coaching.
"It's a pretty tough game to play, rugby league, and you've got to earn your respect the hard way. That's why us leagies are a pretty tight-knit bunch. I'm honoured to be a part of it. All my friends are a part of the game."
League has played a huge part in Bluey's life - his father Mike McClennan was coach of Mt Albert, Northcote and St Helens. Bluey played at standoff for his dad at Mt Albert and Northcote. He would go on to represent Auckland where he would captain the team to a win over a touring Great Britain side.
"Mate, it's in my veins, born into it. The old man he was a Kiwi, coached professionally at St Helens and at the Warriors. It's the same for me, it's all I know - all my friends are leagies as well, my families are leagies - both sides. My missus, her side they're all staunch leagies so it's hard case that's all we know. I love it."
Bluey began his coaching career as player/coach in 1994 for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders. He also played for North Harbour Sea Eagles and was North Harbour development officer. The following year, Bluey assisted under-16 Auckland Warriors' coach John Ackland.
In 2005, he became the Kiwis coach when he tasted success with a Tri-Nations series against England and the Aussies. The Kiwis won the series final against Australia 24-0 at Elland Rd, England. It was Australia's first defeat in a series or tournament since 1978. In 2007, he moved to England to coach the Leeds Rhinos, where he won a World Club Challenge and two Super League Grand Finals.
The father-of-three puts his success down to a simple formula.
"Treat people with respect, whether they're players, coaching staff or supporters. Just treat people with respect and use your manners. I try to coach good wholesome philosophies based upon good Kiwiana. I think that's probably why [players] enjoyed playing for us over the years," Bluey said.
"Probably more important than all the trophies I've been lucky enough to be involved in, is that I've still got blokes I coached 15 or 20 years ago that can ring and we're friends now. That's what I really like. I've been able to catch up with a lot of old players I used to coach years ago."
The 49-year-old is in Rotorua today to help select the New Zealand 16s and 18s teams, which have been in Rotorua at Tui Ridge Park for a national elite camp for the age group.
The camp has involved a number of former rugby league players, including Ruben Wiki, Tawera Nikau and Tony Kemp who have been taking the two squads through training regimes and fitness tests.
Bluey was excited about some of the young talent on display.
"I'm really looking forward to it.
"When Tony Kemp first asked [Auckland Rugby League] I put my hand straight up ... I'm lucky enough my schedule allowed it and Auckland Rugby League let me come down and help select these two sides."
Currently employed as the Auckland Rugby League development officer, Bluey said his next goal was to coach a NRL team.
"I've pretty much done all I can, apart from take an NRL side. I've done the highest coaching I could do at club level here with Bartercard Cup and was lucky enough to win four of those. Then, with the Kiwis that was the ultimate representing your country.
"I was lucky enough to work with a great bunch of people and had some good times and with Leeds I've been to Super League. I really enjoyed the time there. The only next step up as far as coaching is NRL."
The Warriors are expected to confirm Bluey as head coach in the next few weeks. The former Kiwis coach has been the frontrunner for the job since Ivan Cleary announced recently he would stand down at the season's end to take up a position with the Penrith Panthers in Sydney. However he couldn't confirm if he had been offered the job yet.
"That's obviously one thing I can't answer. There's a process the Warriors club have to go through, talking to the candidates and interviews and so forth.
"I'm interested [in the role] and would like to be talked to. But there has to be a process I have to be patient with and let the [Warriors] take care of that."
The elite squads have two trial matches at Puketawhero Park today starting at 10.30am.