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There is a hope and growing expectation that Wayne Bennett will remain involved with the Kiwis, through to the World Cup.
The Broncos' boss has been widely lauded for his influence on a New Zealand side rebounding from that record 58-0 defeat at the hands of Australia last October.
It was a defeat Australian Rugby League chairman Colin Love said put international rugby league back 15 years. In the space of a week, however, Bennett and new Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney might just have made up some of that ground.
The Kiwis were still beaten by the Kangaroos on Friday night - by an outstanding Australian side, it must be said - but there was just enough in the last 58 minutes to suggest the Kiwis can be at least competitive at the World Cup.
"I think he will" [continue], said Stacey Jones, who acted as a mentor and adviser for the Kiwis last week. "He's started now. It's up to him but I think he enjoyed it and the project isn't complete yet. After tonight's result it will make him more determined."
Kearney was also optimistic of the former Australia and Queensland coach being by his side when the World Cup kicks off on October 25.
"I'm hoping so," he said. "He's been wonderful for me and the whole group. It's been a real privilege working with him.
"I'm sure you could see the impact he's had on the group tonight. That's his decision and I'm sure we've done enough this week, there were encouraging signs for him. I know he's very passionate about international footy and would like us to do well."
That came across as soon as the Kiwis went into camp last Sunday. Before long Bennett was regaling the players with stories from his six premiership title successes, the significance of the 1907 All Golds tour and the first test played between Australia and New Zealand 100 years ago.
"All the boys just sat there and listened," utility Dene Halatau said.
That's the effect Bennett has on teams. Everybody listens when he talks and they are well aware of what is required of them in terms of standards and behaviour during the buildup and match.
Those close to the camp remarked there was a very Queensland and Australian feel to last week. Bennett is well known for bringing in icons to address the players so that, if they didn't appreciate it already, they knew how important playing representative football was.
Not only were Jones, Dean Bell and Ruben Wiki (who have more caps between them than Friday's side) brought into help the Kiwis, largely at Bennett's behest, but there was also a players' dinner also attended by former Kiwis Mark Horo, Dane Sorenson, Olsen Filipaina and Darrell Williams.
With only five days to work with the players, there's not a lot that can be done in terms of coaching. Rather, Bennett is all about building team spirit and cohesion and emphasising the need to do the basics effectively.
Each player is given two or three flags, or requirements they must achieve. These might range from hitups and tackles to getting through the first set without a mistake and ensuring line speed in defence.
It was hardly surprising, therefore, that Bennett was handed the duties as defensive coach while Kearney put the gameplan together. He would not have been impressed with what he saw from his charges in the opening 22 minutes as Australia waltzed over for three tries to go with the spectacular one Greg Inglis set up for Mark Gasnier.
Bennett was seen making his points in his direct manner during the halftime teamtalk.
"I started off [the teamtalk] and highlighted what we needed to do and what we were doing fairly well in the back of the first half," Kearney said. "He reinforced that in Wayne's way. All my concern is what is best for the team and Wayne can only bring positive attributes to the team, so he can do what he likes."
That is perhaps what makes this combination so good. Kearney is a young coach who knows he needs someone like Bennett beside him and his ego isn't being bent by having someone of Bennett's stature and influence there.
In return, Bennett can purely coach without dealing with the media and marketing, something he clearly finds onerous. Once again he politely sidestepped media inquiries on Friday night.
"They work well together," Jones said. "Wayne is the harder guy and Steve is more hands on. There's a little bit of good cop, bad cop. Wayne has definitely brought discipline to the team and overlooking everything to make sure everything is in place. He was filthy about the result."
Talks with Bennett will be held in the coming days but it's fair to say the NZRL, Kearney and players are desperate for him to continue.
"We would like him to stay on to the World Cup," NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden said. The decision will be and always has been his.
Curiously, Bennett doesn't do contracts. Haffenden and NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz learned that pretty quickly when a 70-page spiral-bound contract they had prepared for Bennett to sign wasn't even opened when they met in February.
He agreed over a handshake to help out for Friday's test. Those involved with New Zealand, as well as World Cup organisers, will hope he extends his hand again in the coming days.
