KEY POINTS:
If Kiwis mentor Brian McClennan wants to coach at top-club level he needs the New Zealand Rugby League to scrap the "Gary Freeman" clause that requires the national team boss must reside in New Zealand.
When the NZRL decided to ditch Freeman for Daniel Anderson in 2003 it
took a side-step by changing the rules, knowing that the former Kiwi would not shift from Sydney.
McClennan said yesterday that an Australian reporter had simply asked him whether he thought he was ready to coach at NRL level, sparking interest in his plans.
The Aussie press has predicted Dragons coach Nathan Brown and Roosters boss Chris Anderson could get the chop any day and is trawling for potential replacements.
After winning the 2005 Tri-Nations McClennan was asked the same question and replied, "No".
"I knew then that I wasn't ready. I needed to upskill. I was asked the same question the other day and I just answered a question."
McClennan is contracted to the NZRL until the end of the 2008 World Cup and he yesterday confirmed his commitment to that cause.
"One day I want to be a coach at a professional club but my focus now is totally with the Kiwis.
"I don't have any offers from professional clubs and if I do get one I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."
He would never walk out on the Kiwis deal.
McClennan said he would not get into the politics of the requirement that the Kiwis coach lived here but clearly he did not agree with it.
As yet there are no jobs available in either the English Super League or the NRL but every season brings with it opportunities. Clearly, it is better for all concerned if the Kiwis coach is working at the highest level.
The NZRL had a meeting scheduled with McClennan today prior to his comments and they are now sure to be added to the agenda.
It's hoped the requirement is axed.
The Kiwis squad has faith in McClennan and coaching overseas will add to his game, as it has to his players.
NZRL manager Peter Cordtz said changing the coaching structure would not be helpful to the Kiwis cause on the upcoming tour of England nor in next year's World Cup.
"Disruption would not be good. Bluey has proved himself, [NRL boss] David Gallop has talked about how international rugby league is back on the stage and that is thanks to what Bluey and the Kiwis achieved in the 2005 and 2006 Tri-Nations," he said.
"It's difficult to speculate [what the NZRL board will do if an offshore job comes up]."
Graham Lowe was axed as Kiwis coach when he joined Wigan in 1986 despite having a good record against the Aussies. He went on to steer Wigan to glory, lift Manly from 12th to the then five-team NRL finals and drive Queensland to an Origin series win.
Let's hope the NZRL does not repeat the same blunder if Bluey does go overseas.
