The RFL are looking for a successor to Brian Noble

The RFL has had between 15 and 20 "serious" applications to replace Brian Noble and, after whittling them down, have now reached the interview stage.

"We are getting to the final stages of the process," said Lewis. "I would say we are a couple of weeks away.

"There has been a lot of interest which reflects the status of the position."

Australians Shaun McRae, Tony Smith and John Lang and former Wigan centre Joe Lydon are among the names being linked with the job.

Former Wigan great Shaun Edwards, currently coaching with union side Wasps, has ruled himself out of the running.

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Current Wigan boss Noble, who was appointed Great Britain coach in 2004, did not have his contract renewed at the end of last year as the RFL wanted a full-time coach.

Noble's assistants Jon Sharp and Dave Lyon also left their jobs.

"We are looking at the Great Britain coaching position initially and then filling the other gaps after that," added Lewis.

"We are hoping to make one appointment.

"I have always said that, if it was 50-50, we would go for a British coach but the bottom line is it's the best person for the job."

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