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In desperate need of inspiration, New Zealand mentor Stephen Kearney is set to ask for one more miracle from master coach Wayne Bennett ahead of Saturday night’s Four Nations final against Australia in Brisbane.
Bennett worked his magic as an advisor for the New Zealand team which claimed a shock 2008 World Cup final win – also at Suncorp Stadium.
And the Kiwis could do with his Midas touch again after a morale sapping 34-20 loss to Australia at Eden Park last weekend.
Kearney on Tuesday would not rule out organising a last minute visit by Bennett to give his side a much needed shot in the arm.
“I know he is up here but I will keep that to myself,” Kearney smiled.
Kearney may have been the coach for the World Cup win but the likes of former New Zealand coach Graham Lowe credited the victory to Bennett.
And Kearney did not play down the seven-time premiership-winning coach’s strong influence on not only his players but his coaching approach.
“Regardless of what time it is or what time of the season it is … he has always got some wise words for you,” Kearney said of Bennett.
“It’s always nice to be able to call on someone like Wayne regardless of the situation.”
Kearney – who recently took over the reins at NRL club Parramatta – also credits Melbourne Storm’s Craig Bellamy with moulding him into a head coach.
“I have only worked with Wayne during a six week period (in 2008) but I still ring him often,” he said.
“From that point of view he has had an impact.
“But spending five years (as Storm assistant) with Craig Bellamy, he is certainly someone who has helped shape what I look at as a coach.”
New Zealand were unable to consider barnstorming backrower Frank Pritchard (knee) on Tuesday as they made two changes to the starting 13 for the final.
Greg Eastwood and Bronson Harrison have both been brought into the run-on side.
Eastwood swaps places with prop Frank-Paul Nuuausala, who has been demoted to the bench.
Harrison, who was rested last weekend, comes in for Sika Manu, who was named on a seven-man bench.
Kiwi and Dragons flyer Jason Nightingale admitted their confidence had been dented by last weekend’s loss in front of a rabid Eden Park crowd.
But he believed if anyone could lift New Zealand, it was Bennett.
“His presence will definitely bring a lot of confidence to us,” he said.
“And he was part of that 2008 World Cup win – the belief we got from that is still with us today.
“We probably would benefit from a chat with Wayne.”
Nightingale is living proof of Bennett’s influence.
The Kiwi regular is enjoying a dream year as he looks to add a World Cup to the NRL premiership he won under Bennett with the Dragons.
“He has made me a consistent first grader…and he’s given me the confidence to play Test football as well,” he said.
“It’s definitely one of his best (assets), the way he can make you believe in yourself, and try and bring your best out.”
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