Re-appointed Rixon waits on Waugh

Steve Rixon, who coached New South Wales to the Pura Cup and domestic one-day Cup double last season, has been re-appointed coach for another year.

It will be Rixon's fourth season in charge of NSW in his second period as coach. He previously coached NSW from 1989-1995, winning three Sheffield Shield and three one-day titles and was at the helm when they won the double in 1992-93 and 1993-94. He is also a former coach of New Zealand.

Rixon's first act following his re-appointment was to quash rumours that Michael Slater was on the verge of retiring to pursue his fledgling career as a television commentator. "I had talks with Michael just prior to him leaving to go overseas and our final words were he'd be back in July ready to fire up for the pre-season," Rixon said. "As far as I'm concerned, Michael will play."

But Rixon admitted that he was still waiting to hear from Mark Waugh, another possible retiree. "Mark's another one that we'd obviously like to see around for another year or so," Rixon said. "I think if you asked Mark, he'd probably say, 'I wouldn't mind playing,' but he's got other interests that he may have to weigh up and that's what we've got to wait and see. That decision should be made in the next three weeks, I'd like to think."