Tim Sheens is set to be rewarded for Australia's World Cup domination with a 12-month contract extension.
The Kangaroos officially reclaimed their mantle as the No.1 rugby league nation with a reso
unding 34-2 win over New Zealand in the final in Manchester on November 30.
The side was unbeaten throughout their campaign and its victory against the Kiwis was the fifth successive game without conceding a try, just one game shy of the record held by the 1981-82 Invincibles.
After losing the 2010 Four Nations final to New Zealand, the premiership-winning mentor could have been sacked with another defeat to the Kiwis, having replaced Ricky Stuart at the helm in 2009. However, the players and staff emphatically responded to him and the challenge, and powerbrokers are keen for Sheens to continue in the role.
The former Panthers, Raiders, Cowboys and Tigers coach - the most experienced in the game behind only Wayne Bennett - is holidaying abroad and an official announcement may still be weeks away. However, it is understood he will be offered the role for another year.
''Tim is currently overseas on a well-earned break following the World Cup but when he returns we will obviously have a discussion with him,'' the NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg said. ''It was obviously a very successful 2013 season culminating in a World Cup victory and we will afford him the opportunity to sit down and talk. No decisions have been made from his perspective or ours but we'll catch up when he gets back.''
After parting ways with Wests Tigers, Sheens has devoted all his energies to the Australian job on a full-time basis and has played a major role in game development.
The Kiwis could be poised for a change of coach after the job was advertised, with incumbent Stephen Kearney indicating he would reapply.
Adrian Proszenko
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/tim-sheens-tipped-for-another-year-in-charge-of-kangaroos-20140131-31sf8.html
