Edwards played for Great Britain between 1985-94

Edwards, who won 36 Great Britain caps, was approached by Rugby Football League chairman Richard Lewis but turned down the job because of family commitments.

"At the moment I have pulled myself out of the race for the Great Britain job," Edwards told BBC Radio Manchester.

"That's not to say it won't happen later but at this time it's not right."

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Edwards, who made 452 appearances in a 15-year career at Wigan, ended his playing career at London Broncos before joining Wasps as a coach in 2001.

After building his family life in London, Edwards is not yet ready to return to the north, though he did give the Great Britain job serious consideration.

"I had a meeting with Richard and we talked about the changes I would make if I took on the job," said Edwards, who is contracted to Wasps until 2008.

"I also had a discussion with (former Australian coach) Wayne Bennett, who was a big supporter of me taking the job.

"But I have a little boy and I need to stay in touch with him. If I were to do the job properly, I would need to live in the north in order to be hands-on. It wouldn't be fair."

Wigan coach Noble had to stand down as GB coach

Lewis and the RFL are believed to have drawn up a shortlist of candidates, with Australian Shaun McRae amongst the favourites.

Brian Noble's contract as part-time Great Britain coach expired in December and the RFL have decided to fill the position full-time as they push towards the 2008 World Cup and following year's Tri-Nations.

Great Britain's next match has been pencilled in for the weekend of 23-24 June against an as yet unnamed opposition.