Wellington have struck what they believe is a winning trifecta by appointing Gerard Stokes to coach their national league team and Graham Lowe as an adviser, and earmarking the well-regarded Paul Bergman as coach-in-waiting.
All three, and former Kiwi hooker Duane Mann, were shortlisted for the Bartercard Cup coach's role and
interviews were held on Thursday and yesterday.
Stokes and Lowe will meet the players tomorrow.
Stokes, the Kiwis' assistant coach, performed strongly when interviewed, laying out a blueprint for the new franchise, backed by his strong record in Canterbury league, which includes guiding the team to a grand final and third place in the first two Bartercard Cup competitions.
Time restraints and business opportunities prevented former Kiwi coach Lowe from coaching the Wellington side.
But he will be an adviser in a marketing capacity while he will also be made available to clubs in a mentoring role.
The WRL will also be looking to use Lowe's vast international connections to promote Wellington and to assist players wanting to play overseas.
"I've made it clear to them that I'll help where ever I think I can," Lowe said.
- NZPA
