TOP RL coach Maurice Bamford turned up the Ashes heat as Australia flew into Manchester for the three-Test series against Great Britain.

The former GB chief claimed that Super League's champion coach, Brian Noble, should be in charge of the Lions and not Australian David Waite.

Bamford says it will hurt him to see an overseas coach leading out Britain's team for the first Guinness Test at Huddersfield on Sunday (3 30).

He says Noble, the former GB hooker, has done enough to be the automatic choice as head coach.

Bamford said: ''I am very disappointed not to see a British man in charge. I have nothing against David Waite, who is a charming man, but I believe it is vital that someone from here is coach.

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''I cannot believe Noble is listed as Waite's assistant. He is a Brit and Waite should be his assistant. Nobby has enjoyed a tremendous season at Bradford. He deserves his chance with the national team. He is British and he has beaten the rest.

''My own team would be to have Noble in charge with either Mal Reilly or Les Bettinson as manager.

''Waite comes from the development aspect of the game and has only really dabbled in club coaching. Noble is possibly more experienced.

''I also deplore the use of Australian players to supposedly enhance our game.''

Australian boss Chris Anderson reckons the appointment of Waite will help Great Britain's cause.

He said: ''With him in charge, they'll know a little bit more about us than they would have.''

Meanwhile, Salford's Adrian Morley will miss the big Huddersfield showdown because his broken arm not been passed fully fit. Coach Waite will finalise his team tomorrow ( Thursday ).

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