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Rugby League

Morley attacks foreign pick for GB job

29/03/2007

Warrington's Adrian Morley admits that he would have preferred a home-grown coach to have got the Great Britain coach's job ahead of Australian Tony Smith.

The Leeds Rhinos boss signed a contract to take the Lions squad through to 2009 after the departure of Brain Noble from the post following an unconvincing Tri Nations campaign.

Although he resolved to live with the Rugby Football League's decision, Morley has suggested that another Headingley old boy should have been given a chance at the helm instead.

"I have got to be honest and say I am a little disappointed that an Australian has been appointed full-time Great Britain coach," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"My choice would have been Ellery Hanley. He has always been a hero of mine.

"Hanley has a special aura about him but for some unknown reason he seems to be out of it and that's a great pity because rugby league needs personalities like him."

Hanley coached the Lions through the Ashes series of 1994, but has since moved away from sport after also chancing his arm at rugby union and squash.

But in spite of his comments, Morley was keen to stress that he will not let his reservations prevent him from adding to his 22 caps for the Lions.

"It's always been a great honour to play for Great Britain and to represent my country and I look forward to the new era under Tony Smith," he concluded.

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