Bennett close to New Zealand post

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.

Bennett, who coached the All Golds to a 25-18 win over the Northern Union in last October’s centenary international in Warrington, has been earmarked to take over from Gary Kemble.

Bennett, who has guided the Broncos to six league titles in his unbroken 20-year stint in Brisbane, had offered his services to the Kiwis in the wake of their 3-0 drubbing by Great Britain last autumn.

In an official statement, the NZRL said they met Bennett today to discuss a role for him ahead of the May 9 Test against Australia and the World Cup in October and November.

But following Kemble’s resignation, precipitated by player unrest earlier this month, Bennett is almost certain to take charge, with former Hull and New Zealand forward Stephen Kearney favourite to become his assistant.

NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden, who flew to Brisbane with general manager Peter Cordtz, said the talks had been fruitful but an announcement was not possible at this stage.

Bennett, 58, coached Australia in 1998 and from 2004-05, resigning in the wake of the Kangaroos 24-0 Tri-Nations final defeat by New Zealand.