Kear still has GB chance

Kear is among possibles for the British coaching job

John Kear remains a candidate to be the next Great Britain coach despite England's sorry exit from the Rugby League World Cup.

Kear's reign as England boss ended in failure with a crushing 49-6 defeat by New Zealand in Saturday's one-sided semi-final at Bolton.

The former Sheffield Eagles chief staked his reputation on a new-look, youthful England side.

But the Rugby Football League's director of rugby Greg McCallum says the RFL board will not be unduly influenced by the Reebok Stadium flop.

John's done a fine job in putting together a competitive team

  RFL director Greg McCallum

"I don't think it will affect it any more than any other match has done," said McCallum.

"John's done a fine job in putting together a competitive team and their performance on Saturday was not reflective of their previous month.

"Contracts expire for every position on November 30 and we will be making a decision on what our needs are and the long-term development of the game.

"At the end of the day, we'll evaluate John's credentials against anybody else that may be available."

Competition

Kear, who no longer has involvement at club level, is expected to face competition from Australian David Waite for the right to succeed Andy Goodway as British coach for next year's visit of the Kangaroos.

Waite's role as international consultant expires next weekend.

Wales coach Clive Griffiths has also been touted as a candidate after his makeshift team pushed world champions Australia all the way in Sunday's second semi-final at Huddersfield.

The Welsh led 20-8 after half an hour before eventually going down 46-22.

Dejected: Darren Fleary after England's exit

Meanwhile, McCallum has dismissed fears that Saturday's Antipodean World Cup final at Old Trafford will prove to be a box-office disaster.

"Obviously an England win would have turned us into overdrive as far as ticket sales go, but we're confident that rugby league supporters in this country will support a non-home nation appearance," he said.

McCallum believes it will be one of the finest rugby league matches of the last 10 years.

He insists that Great Britain can still be competitive against the Kangaroos in the 2001 Ashes Series.

"The players that have been developing shone through on Saturday," said McCallum.

"Young Paul Wellens and Chev Walker had some good moments and Jamie Peacock's performances through the World Cup have been outstanding."