Rugby League: Freeman likely to retain Kiwis job

PERPIGNAN - Besieged Kiwis coach Gary Freeman is set to have his contract renewed for two more years. despite criticism of his performance during New Zealand's eight-match tour of Great Britain and France.

New Zealand Rugby League director Sel Bennett said he would recommend to the organisation's board that Freeman stay at the helm, although the pre-tour aim of returning unbeaten and beating Great Britain in their three-test series was unfulfilled.

Bennett, who has been on the tour throughout, gave Freeman an endorsement soon after the Kiwis completed their programme with a 36-10 victory over France at Stade Aime Giral in Perpignan yesterday.

Bennett and NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson have been in regular contact throughout the tour, particularly after the controversial departure of centre Clinton Toopi, who broke a wrist fighting with team-mate Nigel Vagana after a drinking session.

The Kiwis management initially said Toopi had been injured in the second test against Great Britain, but later issued a statement detailing the actual events, while denying there was an attempted cover-up.

The NZRL will hold a debrief when the team return home this week, but Bennett said he would recommend the former Kiwis skipper's retention. His two-year contract lapses at the end of the year.

Pearson said Bennett's report would be an important influence when Freeman's future was discussed.

Warriors assistant coach Tony Kemp was an option for the coach's job because of his exposure to the methods of Warriors head coach Daniel Anderson.

Anderson was also a possibility, but Pearson said no approach had been made to the Warriors coach, believing it was an inappropriate move before a decision on Freeman was made.

"Selwyn [Pearson] has been quoted as saying it will come down to my report as to what happens with Gary - if that is the case, then Gary will be retained because that is what I will recommend to the board," Bennett said.

He defended Freeman who, apart from the Toopi incident, has drawn criticism for not bringing in replacements when his initial squad of 26 was thinned through injury before the team opened their tour at Hull on October 22.

"When you look at the number of players he lost before the tour even started he moulded a good team together out of what he had."

Captain Nathan Cayless, fellow props Andrew Lomu and Craig Smith, and wings Matt Utai and Tevita Vaikona never appeared, while utility Motu Tony, Toopi, Stephen Kearney and Richard Swain left the tour at various stages.

"It was Whiz's [Freeman's] decision about not bringing in replacements and when you look at what was available he did not have many options," Bennett said.

He rejected reports the team had not been a harmonious unit on tour.

"I've been here the whole time and this is not in any way a fractured team."

Freeman remained reluctant to comment on his coaching prospects after the match, saying "Why ask the question?" when asked whether he wanted to continue.

In the dressing room he paid an emotional tribute to the squad before they headed back to their hotel.

"I really enjoyed every moment, the coaching and social side of it. You're one of the happiest teams I've been involved with and there are guys here who will be playing for the Kiwis for the next five or 10 years," Freeman told his team.

- NZPA