Morley has suffered two facial fractures playing for Warrington this season

Leeds coach Tony Smith will take the job at the end of the season but Morley told the Manchester Evening News: "My choice would have been Ellery Hanley.

"I've got to be honest and say I'm a little disappointed that an Australian has been appointed full-time GB coach.

"But if Smith was the best man for the job then so be it, he is certainly a top choice with a good reputation."

Smith has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Rugby Football League that will take him to 2009.

It's always been a great honour to play for GB and to represent my country Adrian Morley

He replaces Brian Noble, who did the job on a part-time basis, after his contract was not renewed after last year's Tri-Nations.

But Warrington forward Morley says former GB captain Hanley, who has held coaching roles in rugby union with Bristol, Bath and England and with Castleford in Super League, should have been considered.

606: DEBATE I honestly don't understand why the nationality of the coach is significant NG

"My choice would have been Ellery Hanley. He's always been a hero of mine," added Morley.

"Hanley has a special aura about him but for some unknown reason he seems to be out of it and that's a great pity because rugby league needs personalities like him.

"But we have to look at the big picture. It appeared that Smith was the best man for the job and the Leeds lads who have played under him at Headingley rate him.

"It's always been a great honour to play for GB and to represent my country and I look forward to the new era under Tony Smith."