The appointment of Wayne Bennett as New Zealand Rugby League coach moved a step closer today when officials met with the veteran Brisbane Broncos boss for face-to-face talks in the Queensland capital.

Wigan prop Iafeta Palea’aesina has turned his back on New Zealand by opting to help Samoa qualify for the 2008 World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby League have apologised for fielding an ineligible player and confirmed they will not appeal the two-point Tri-Nations penalty imposed yesterday.