Shaun Wane still in the mix for NRL role

Shaun Wane was appointed England coach earlier this year

The initial shortlist has been whittled down from six to three, with the England and ex-Wigan boss still in the mix.

Todd Payten, the interim coach since Stephen Kearney was sacked last month, is also in the running.

Wane has made no secret of his desire to coach in the NRL at some stage in his career and even has an Australian agent.

He was only appointed coach of England earlier this year but that is unlikely to prevent him returning to club coaching, especially as this autumn's Ashes series has been scrapped.

New Zealand's Michael Maguire (Wests) and Tonga's Kristian Woolf (St Helens) also have club roles.

Wane had previously been linked in the media with replacing Paul McGregor as coach of St George Illawarra Dragons.

His appointment as England coach saw him return to rugby league less than 18 months after leaving Wigan with his third Grand Final triumph. The ex-prop also enjoyed World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup Final success with his hometown club.

New Zealand Warriors are currently 13th in the 16-team NRL table, with three wins from their nine matches.