Kemp gets a Little help

When the Phoenix rose out of the ashes of Tony Kemp's Warriors career, it flew north and landed in an unlikely location - Glenfield Rugby Club.

It landed there by chance rather than deliberate navigation. Kemp found himself with more leisure time than an aristocratic fop once the Warriors axe had connected with his neck late last year.

Glenfield coach Walter Little is an old pal and the former All Black thought he'd take advantage of Kemp being at a loose end so he asked the former Warriors supremo if he'd be interested in taking a few sessions.

Having not heard a dickie bird from New Zealand Rugby League, Kemp saw it as a no-brainer.

"Everyone knows the history about what happened at the Warriors," said Kemp. "I had no contact from the NZRL which was a bit disappointing so when the opportunity came up to give Walter a hand I jumped at it.

"I wanted to stay in coaching and I had a background in rugby having come up through the grades at school. I think there are a lot more coaching opportunities in rugby in New Zealand for me than there are in league."

And so, just like that, Kemp crossed codes. He can't say that's him a union man forever, but he has enjoyed his limited time in the 15-man game.

Glenfield are using him as a defensive coordinator.

It's the standard post for league converts. That's where the likes of Phil Larder, Sean Edwards, Mike Ford and Dave Ellis all initially made their mark.

Union still feels a little inferior to the 13-man code when it comes to working out how players should best go about their defensive chores. So fellas like Kemp, who have been let inside the magic circle, are very welcome in the rival code.

"I had exposure to systems and structures that have a lot of value in rugby," said Kemp. "Rugby league has been professional for a long time so there is a bit more diversity around that. Rugby is getting more accustomed to flat defensive lines so it's not too dissimilar from the sport I've come from. I definitely think there are opportunities to cross codes these days."

Certainly Little, a man who knew numerous ways to break down any defence, is delighted with the way things have worked out with Kemp.

Little said: "It's been great having him on board. He's brought good ideas and the guys respect him. With rugby being so much more like league these days with the flat backline, especially off rucks and mauls, Tony's going to be really valuable."

While the plaudits are gushing, Kemp is not kidding himself that he has cracked the big time.

But for now, Glenfield suits him just fine. He said he wanted to go back to grass roots after the Warriors. He and his young family needed some space and time out of the public glare.

Offers have come in to coach league overseas but they hold little appeal right now. He's happy where he is and happy to learn his new trade without having his mistakes thrust back in his face every week.

-HERALD ON SUNDAY