NZ Maori name coaching staff for World Cup curtain raiser

New Plymouth, New Zealand, June 14, 2008 - New Zealand Maori Rugby League has today announced its coaching staff panel as they prepare for their curtain raiser match before the Rugby League World Cup in October later this year. The Maori are scheduled to play an exhibition match against the Australian Indigenous side ahead of the official opening ceremony match between the Kangaroos and the Kiwis on Sunday 26 October at Sydney Football Stadium. Luke Goodwin has been named as Head Coach, with Richie Blackmore as Assistant Coach, Rob Hewitt as Manager, Donny Singe as Trainer, and former Australian RL Coach Chris Anderson as Coaching Advisor. Howie Tamati, New Zealand Maori Rugby League Chairman, said today that confirming the coaching staff was an important step in their preparation for the upcoming match. "We are pleased to be able to announce our coaching staff, and it is an honour for New Zealand Maori Rugby League to be able to call on the skills of such an experienced group of people as we step up our preparations for the match," says Tamati. "Luke Goodwin's previous M