Sheens: Kiwis keep bragging rights, technically

So, are the Kangaroos once more the best team in the world after winning the Four Nations tournament?

On his return from England yesterday, Tim Sheens was asked whether the Kangaroos had reasserted themselves as No.1 after falling off the perch by losing last year's World Cup final to New Zealand.

''Well, you know, the Kiwis might have something to say about that,'' the coach said. ''They're world champions, and until we take that back, we can't technically say that, no.''

The next World Cup is not until 2013 in England, which is a long time to wait to turn the tables, but even jet-lagged after a long flight, Sheens was probably still thinking fast enough to play a little mind game.

He will be the Australian coach again next year. While the appointment is made on a year-to-year basis, Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr said yesterday that Sheens had done only good things in control. The Australians beat the Kiwis in Brisbane earlier in the year, and then went through the Four Nations tournament unbeaten, a draw against the Kiwis being the only hiccup.

But whether captain Darren Lockyer is available for selection next year remains to be seen. Lockyer, 32, is yet to make a decision on his representative future.

''Darren made the comment at a couple of press conferences I attended with him that he hadn't made a decision about next year, so we're going to have to wait and see,'' Sheens said.

- © Fairfax NZ News