A Pat answer

BLUES captain Keven Mealamu wants to meet CEO Andy Dalton and Gary Whetton before any coaching appointment is made for next season.

Normally, Mealamu would only get a chance to have his say during the review process, once the season is complete.

But, as the board have decided to advertise the position and make an appointment in July, there is little point in Mealamu biding his time to give his views on coach Pat Lam and the direction the franchise should be heading in.

Lam is taking the Blues through their worst season and won’t indicate whether he will reapply to be head coach next year. But he has said he’d still like to be a part of the setup in 2013.

Former All Black and ex-italy and Japan coach John Kirwan is emerging as the favourite totake charge of the team and it has been reported that Wayne Smith is a reference on his CV.

With Joe Schmidt and Vern Cotter already signed up for next season with Leinster and Clermont respectively and the NZRU reluctant to appoint a foreign coach, there are few quality options around.

However, Mealamu said he is going to throwing his weight behind Lam continuing as head coach and, as one of the most experienced and respected players in the country, his views must count for plenty.

‘‘It would be awesome to have Pat involved from a people point of view,’’ Mealamu told Sunday News. ‘‘People grow so much from when they’ve had hard times and you come through it as a much stronger person.

‘‘Coach has a lot of contribute to our franchise and I’d love to still see him here next year as well as the head coach.