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If Parramatta NRL officials want to talk to New Zealand Test coach Stephen Kearney about the vacant Eels coaching position, they’ve got a wait on their hands.
Kearney today refused to rule out making a run at the Eels post – which became vacant yesterday following Michael Hagan’s stunning resignation with one year still to run on his contract.
But the Kiwi mentor said he wouldn’t talk to the club until after the World Cup, with New Zealand to open their campaign against Australia on Sunday.
If, as expected, the Kiwis make it through to the final, Kearney would not be available to meet Parramatta officials until after November 22.
“My focus is obviously on the World Cup,” Kearney said.
“Both my hands are pretty full at the minute.
“At this stage I wouldn’t say no, but my focus is squarely on what I’m doing here.
“I’m sure if there is interest there (from Parramatta) that will be dealt with by them and my agent.
“I’m sure they’d have a pretty good understanding of my current situation.”
Kearney, who has served his coaching apprenticeship under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, is keen to snare a head coaching gig.
He was linked with the Bulldogs job following Steve Folkes’ resignation earlier this year while he was also mentioned in discussions when Matthew Elliott’s position at Penrith came under scrutiny in August.
Former Parramatta lower grade coach and St Helens mentor Daniel Anderson has been installed as early favourite to take charge of the Eels heading into 2009, Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald saying he was confident the post would be filled by the end of the year.
Kearney said there was plenty that appealed to him about the club.
“It would be silly for me not to consider it,” he said.
“They’re a club that has a lot of upside.”
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