The Australian rugby league coach Ricky Stuart may have to fight to retain the role despite belated apologies to World Cup referee Ashley Klein and England official Stuart Cummings for his "offensive" behaviour following the Kangaroos shock loss to New Zealand.
Early next week Stuart returns to Sydney from holidaying with his family on the Gold Coast to respond to alleged breaches of the Cup's Code of Conduct.
The Rugby League International Federation has appointed barrister Robert Weber, SC, to independently investigate complaints from Klein and Cummings that they were abused by Stuart the day after the 34-20 final loss.
Depending on the RLIF's findings, Stuart's actions could be a hot topic at the Australian Rugby League's next board meeting in Brisbane on December 9.
