Phil Prescott. Photo / Christchurch Star
When the new Kiwis coach is announced this week, don't be surprised to hear Phil Prescott's name read out.
The former Canterbury coach has emerged as a late frontrunner, seemingly overtaking James Leuluai, Gary Kemble and Paul Bergman.
Prescott has forged an impressive record in Canterbury rugby league,
having won the Bartercard Cup with the Bulls in 2003 and guiding them to the grand final in 2005 and 2006.
He was also in charge of the New Zealand A side that last year thumped their Australian equivalents 48-18.
The NZRL were remaining tight-lipped this weekend, saying they had yet to make a decision, but Prescott's name is circulating in league circles as the likeliest successful candidate.
"There's been no decision made and I will meet the chairman about it this weekend," NZRL director of football Graham Lowe said. "I will be putting forward a recommendation."
Lowe heads the panel that also includes Frank Endacott and Howie Tamati to decide on the next Kiwis coach but missed the initial interviews because of health problems.
Chairman Andrew Chalmers sat in on the interviews instead, although Lowe has since conducted his own informal interviews.
"I also had long discussions with Howie and Frank and had excellent feedback from them," he said. "We are not stuck for choice. I have been very impressed with the candidates.
"It's my view that the coaches in New Zealand that applied are the equal of anyone in Australia, they just don't have the experience. From a technical and analytical point of view, they are right up there."
Fifteen candidates applied for the Kiwis coaching job left vacant when Brian McClennan accepted a position with Leeds.
Wellingtonian Bergman and Leuluai were soon installed as favourites but there is a belief that Prescott has the best credentials.
The successful candidate will have little time to bed into the job, considering the Kiwis face Australia in Wellington on October 14 before three tests in Great Britain and one in France.
It's likely his assistant will be announced at the same time - probably one of the other candidates - and Lowe is adamant that a succession plan needs to be put in place. An announcement is expected to be made towards the end of the week.
