By PETER JESSUP
The appointment of Warriors coach Daniel Anderson as Kiwi coach is drawing closer.
No other applicants had made their interest known to the New Zealand Rugby League by yesterday.
Some are waiting to see if Anderson will take on what would be a fait accompli if he wants to
make it one.
The Warriors board wants to know how the extra responsibility would affect the job he does for it.
Anderson has to get the full job description from the NZRL, give it to his Warriors management and get their approval, then go back and declare interest - or lack of it.
Warriors chief executive Mick Watson has sent details as known so far to the boss, Eric Watson, and to other board members.
"Eric and the board agree that in principle it makes sense," said Mick of Anderson's possible dual arrangement.
If it goes ahead, the Warriors coach will take the dominant hand in coaching a development of players from age-group elite level through to internationals.
It is a form of extension of the Brian Smith plan under which Anderson was groomed at Parramatta - so players who have come through under-16s, under-18s, Bartercard teams and the NZ Residents will not have to be taught the basics.
They will be already schooled in the Anderson scheme of attack and defence.
Anderson had to take the day off yesterday with tooth problems, further delaying what has been an unusual procedure.
The Warriors' top squad go to Mt Maunganui this week, an open training is planned at the Tauranga Domain at 4.30pm on Thursday, and the coach's focus remains on the NRL season-opener against Newcastle on Sunday week.
Former Kiwi coach Gary Freeman may be a contender for the Souths position left vacant by the sacking of Craig Coleman.
The club is obviously desperate, and officials are trying to stall meltdown among the players by trying to intimate to the media that several high-profile former NRL coaches are lining up for the position.
Former Wigan and Warriors coach John Monie was mentioned; he denied it, saying he was staying in retirement.
It was suggested that the highly regarded Warren Ryan had telephoned; he said he had never applied for a coaching job in his life and wasn't starting now.
The name of former Kiwis and Warriors coach Frank Endacott was mentioned but he is in business in New Zealand and an unlikely candidate.
Former Gold Coast coach Phil Economidis, now with the Byron Bay Red Devils in NSW first division, is a starter, so it may come down to him or Freeman.
Warriors development player Fui Fui Moi Moi looks to have made a bad choice in agreeing to trial for the Rabbitohs in the week Coleman was dumped.
The 22-year-old had a run in the game that killed off Coleman, a 58-12 defeat at the hands of Wests Tigers.
Coleman yesterday told Sydney media that he did not realise he was on trial against Wests. "Do you think I would have played Fui Fui Moi Moi?" he said.
The Warriors, who ran him at the sevens, will want better loyalty.
By PETER JESSUP
The appointment of Warriors coach Daniel Anderson as Kiwi coach is drawing closer.
No other applicants had made their interest known to the New Zealand Rugby League by yesterday.
Some are waiting to see if Anderson will take on what would be a fait accompli if he wants to
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