Rugby League: Auckland move leaves Knights coach reeling

By PETER JESSUP

Newcastle rugby league club coach Warren Ryan was taken aback by an approach from the Warriors to register his interest in the coaching job in Auckland next season - not least because it came as he was preparing his side for battle.

Ryan was phoned on Friday as the Knights were counting down to a critical game against Roosters. He has already said he does not want to coach again after he leaves the Knights at the end of the season.

But the brief to Warriors bosses from the Tainui board was to approach all those deemed fit.

Ryan's initial response was disbelief.

After his team had dumped the visiting Roosters, he went on ABC radio to reveal the approach.

Ryan declared he was not a likely starter and pushed the case for St George Illawarra co-coach David Waite, who is leaving the Dragons.

Ryan said Waite's junior development skills made him ideal for the Auckland job. He himself was reaping the benefit of Waite's work at Newcastle years ago.

Ryan also gave a plug to former Kiwi halfback Gary Freeman, a co-commentator on the ABC.

Freeman, recently appointed coach of the national under-16 side, indicated he would be interested in the job further down the track.

Others who have been approached are former NSW Origin and Roosters coach Phil Gould, who was similarly surprised, saying he had not considered the possibility.

The Warriors' management are to pass CVs from the interested and available to the board by the end of the month. There is no word on the chances of incumbent Mark Graham keeping the job.

Meanwhile, former Warriors coach Frank Endacott has done his chances of keeping the Wigan coaching job no end of good, with his side scoring a comprehensive 30-18 away win over Bradford.

Endacott met Wigan supremo Maurice Lindsay last week to discuss his future when his one-season deal ends.

Lindsay was apparently insistent on victory over Bradford.

With that accomplished and Wigan having played the other table-topping sides, Endacott's claims are far stronger - though Waite is in England this week.

Rumour has him being interviewed for both the Wigan and Great Britain coaching jobs.