League: Kearney tipped to remain at helm

Stephen Kearney (left) is still getting over the Kiwis' World Cup defeat. Photo / Getty Images

Despite the comprehensive World Cup final defeat against Australia, Stephen Kearney looks almost certain to continue as Kiwis coach.

The Kiwis had one of their best squads in years but lost 34-2 at Old Trafford, barely firing a shot in a disappointing defence of their crown. After the loss, there were calls from some critics for Kearney's head. It wasn't just because of the result but the manner of the defeat.

However, Kearney has support where it matters most: "We can't throw the baby out with the bath water," says New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden.

"We need to take a long-term view towards the elite and high performance environment and we have made great progress in that area. History is littered with people over-reacting after a disappointing result - look at Sir Graham Henry [with the All Blacks after the 2007 World Cup]; that was a classic case."

Kearney, 41, has been in charge of the Kiwis since 2008 and appears to have a desire to continue.

"I've loved the job - I've really enjoyed it," Kearney told the Herald on Sunday. "Everything is still very raw at the moment - there is nothing like the hurt of disappointment and it cuts pretty deep."

Kearney is looking forward to "sitting on the beach and reflecting" over Christmas but indicated he wants to stay in the role.

"Success is always measured by wins and losses and we didn't quite come up to the mark," says Kearney. "But I am very proud of what we have built over the last five years with the culture and the environment and it would be hard to give up that side of it. Of course there is still fire in the belly."

In terms of closing the gap with Australia, undefeated since the 2010 Four Nations final, Kearney says there is "no easy answer".

"Look at the team the Kangaroos had in the final - there are potentially three or four 'immortals' in that side alone," says Kearney. "It is a very special group that played at an extremely high level. But it just means that we need to keep lifting our standards to match that."

Kearney feels it is too early to look back at what might have been done differently during the tournament but said it would be discussed in the upcoming review. He defended some of his curious decisions - in particular the inclusion of Kevin Locke and Bryson Goodwin and the exclusion of Josh Hoffman.

"I don't have any regrets about the decisions and I can't single out any individuals publicly," adds Kearney. "I was confident in my decisions at the time. It is only when you don't get the result that all these things get brought up."

Holden says the NZRL will be reviewing Kearney's position, as part of their World Cup inquest but his position seems assured.

"We need to go through the process but I can't tell you how pleased I am that he has indicated he wants to continue," says Holden.

The review will be conducted by NZRL high performance manager Tony Iro, with input from Holden and an independent appointee from High Performance Sport New Zealand. It will also include extensive player feedback and is expected to be concluded by February next year.