 Noble will lead the Lions in Australia and New Zealand later this year |
Brian Noble has hinted that he could step down as Great Britain coach after this autumn's Tri-Nations series to concentrate on his duties with Wigan. Noble, who took charge of the Warriors last month, is concerned about the workload of combining both posts.
Noble told The Guardian: "I'm committed until the Tri-Nations late this year, but this is my third season in charge and I'm not sure it can continue.
"I have to look at what I need to do with Wigan."
The 45-year-old Yorkshireman has been in charge of the Lions since succeeding Australian David Waite in 2004.
"I'd love to coach England in the 2008 World Cup but, otherwise, I need to invest time in Wigan to succeed here," said Noble.
"I have to give of myself completely. To be national coach on top of that would be very hard."
Noble added he has also not ruled out a future move to Australia.
"One day I'd love to coach a top club there. I'm fiercely patriotic and I'd love to prove some Poms do have brains.
"Being Great Britain coach has helped my profile over there and I'm close to a number of Australians. So who knows?"
Noble's Lions assistant Jon Sharp has said he is happy to combine the role with being Huddersfield head coach beyond the Tri-Nations. Sharp, whose contract with the RFL also runs out after this autumn, said: "I enjoy what I am doing with Great Britain.
"I am not sure what Brian is doing, but it's a great honour to represent your country at any sport.
"My priority is Huddersfield, but it's been fantastic working with the best
players in the country and it's very exciting looking ahead to the 2008 World
Cup.
"It's a tough season going through Super League but (coaching Great Britain)
is like a rest. Jumping into another environment sparks you up."
MMIX
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