Five vie for Kiwi tour

Press, 31 October 1981, Page 64

Five vie for Kiwi tour

By JOHN COFFEY Ces Mountford (Auckland), who has guided New Zealand back to a place of prominence in international rugby league, has four challengers for the position of coach of the Kiwi team to tour Australia and Papua New Guinea next year. The other applicants are Allan Marshall (Taranaki), Neville Denton, Glen McManus and Norm Stephens (all of Auckland). Mr Mountford must be strongly favoured to retain the appointment he first gained when Britain toured this country in 1979. The Kiwis won the third test that year, went on to tie the series against both Britain and France on tour in 1980, and convincingly beat France in two home matches last June.

However, some of the other claimants have strong •credentials and might be looking further ahead if Mr Mountford steps down before the 1983 season. Mr Marshall coached Central Districts to victory in the first two national interdistricts championships; Mr Denton was the mentor of some very fine- Auckland sides a few years ago; and

Mr Stephens was the coach of the national junior team in Australia last winter. Mr McManus, on the other hand, has had no senior representative experience.

The chairman of the Canterbury board of control. Jim Anderson, is one of 10 nominations for business manager on the tour to Australia and Papua New Guinea. The others are Morrie Anderson (Wellington), Albie Bernard (West Coast), Stan Walters (Waikato) and, from Auckland, Buddy Lisle, Jim Campbell, Bill Nesbitt, Ernie Tod, Des Jenkinson, and Vic Lord. Mr Nesbitt has filled the role since 1979.

Once again, the national selectors will be chosen on a regional basis and only Bill Sorensen (Auckland) is certain of being retained when the panel is appointed — along with the Kiwi coach and manager — on November 11.

Harry Walker (Canterr bury), the present South Island member, has Ces Clark (West Coast) as his rival;