Australia give Anderson an extra year as coach

Great Britain will again face an Australian side coached by Chris Anderson, following his reappointment for another year. Anderson will keep the job for 2003, including a Test against New Zealand and a European tour, despite health problems and opposition from Queensland.

The former Test winger and current Cronulla coach twice suffered heart attacks during the Kangaroos' tour here in 2001, while some in Australia have argued that the national coach should be free of club ties.

But the chairman of the Australian Rugby League, Colin Love, said that Anderson was the best man for the job. "Chris is passionate about the Australian jumper and the international game," he said.

"His record since taking on the position in 1999 makes him the stand-out choice for the job and we're delighted that his health and club commitments have allowed him to undertake what will be an exciting year for the Kangaroos."

Anderson left little doubt about his desire to carry on for a fifth season in a role in which he has tasted defeat just twice. "The quality of athlete in the side and the tradition of success behind the team makes it an honour to be part of it," he said.

"I know New Zealand and Great Britain are getting stronger, but I'd like to think we can get even better ourselves."

The series will be the last opportunity against his fellow-countryman for Great Britain's Australian-born coach, David Waite, who plans to stand down after it.

Workington Town say they are confident of putting a competitive squad together for the start of the National League Cup next month, despite the resignation of their coach, Paul Penrice, following poor turn-outs for training. The club, who are advertising for a successor, believes that the situation will improve after Christmas, with the return of several players from rugby union commitments.

In the Challenge Cup, Lokomotiv Moscow and four French clubs go into the hat for the third-round draw this evening, along with the 20 National League clubs and the 15 surviving amateur sides.