Waite agrees to remain in Britain for another year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Great Britain coach David Waite is to extend his stay in this country by at least another year. The Australian, a controversial appointment two years ago, has agreed an extended contract that will keep him at the Rugby League until the end of the 2004 season.
But Waite will not necessarily remain as coach of the national side beyond this autumn's Ashes series. After that he will be asked to make a recommendation about that side of his job, which could amount to naming his successor – with his current assistant, Bradford's Brian Noble, the obvious candidate.
That would leave Waite with another year as the League's performance director, a role in which he will continue to oversee the development of players and coaches at all levels. His other role – in charge of development – will be absorbed into a restructured performance department.
"We believe that David is the best person to provide strategy and leadership, both for our international squads and the RFL's performance department," said the League's executive chairman, Richard Lewis.
Waite also welcomed the restructuring. "It gives me increased opportunities to work practically," he said. "I am looking forward to the Ashes series with tremendous enthusiasm and confidence."
Waite has had a mixed record since arriving in Britain. He took a Test victory from Australia in a creditable first series, but then suffered a 50 point humiliation in Sydney last July. Much of that damage was redressed by a drawn series against New Zealand in November and British sides have also shown obvious improvement below full Test level.
The young British prop Keith Mason, who managed just one first team game in an injury-wrecked first season with the Melbourne Storm, has been included in their squad for the World Sevens in Sydney next month. Newcastle's Andrew Johns, widely regarded as the best player in the world, is a doubtful starter after needing stitches in his leg following a surfing injury.
The Australian Test centre, Chris McKenna, will make his delayed debut for Leeds in a hastily-arranged friendly at Wakefield tonight. Leeds' previous attempts to play a pre-season match have been thwarted by the weather.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments