League: NZRL review fallout - David Kidwell still with a slim chance of retaining Kiwis coaching job

David Kidwell is believed to be interested in re-applying for the Kiwis head coach role. Photo / Peter Meecham

David Kidwell's tenure as Kiwis head coach is still up in the air despite being the subject of a scathing, wide-ranging review into the failure at last year's World Cup.

The findings from the long-awaited review highlighted Kidwell's inexperience for the job, a naivety in trying to implement a new style in such a short period of time, and a failure to ask or insist on being provided a 'High Level Kiwis Campaign' plan.

With Kidwell currently out of contract with the Kiwis, the next move for the New Zealand Rugby League is to appoint a head coach, having finalised a panel to be in charge of the process.

Speaking to the media on Friday, NZRL chairman Reon Edwards didn't rule out the possibility of re-appointing Kidwell, who is believed to be interested in re-applying for the role.

"We've got an appointments panel which we'll be hoping to announce next week so we're looking forward to making that announcement," Edwards said.

"We have to let the panel work through that process and obviously David will be welcome to re-apply.

"I believe David is keen to re-apply. We haven't heard anything different to that at this point so certainly if he's keen, great."

However, with the NZRL's desire for "a fresh start" in mind, the re-appointment of Kidwell seems unlikely.

The review findings were particularly critical of Kidwell's inexperience which, according to the report, led to the implementation of too much in a short space of time, as well as the treatment of the World Cup as a "test" instead of the pinnacle of the Kiwis' four-year calendar.

Kidwell will also have to compete against coaching candidates from around the world after the NZRL enforced a recommendation by the review panel to change its 'Kiwi only' policy to allow foreigners to coach the national side.

But the door remains open for the embattled coach as his relationship with the players appear to be positive.

"We didn't discover any loss in confidence in David Kidwell by the players," said Tim Castle, who conducted the review alongside former Bulldogs and Netball NZ boss Raelene Castle.

"It seems clear enough that he did not lose the changing shed which is an important feature of a coaching success."

The review report was also complimentary of the team culture created by Kidwell which was "clearly well received by the players."

Tim Castle was also clear to clarify that none of the findings indicated that Kidwell's relationship with the players had anything to do with the squad exodus led by Jason Taumalolo right before the World Cup.

What is clear though is that NZRL has learnt their lesson and will not be rushing the appointment of the Kiwis' next head coach.

"We've talked about ensuring we've got the best man for the job or the best person for the job … [and] we need to allow the appoints panel to do their job," Edwards said.

"It's about ensuring we've got the best person for the job whether that's a New Zealander or an Australian or a Pom, we'll let the appointments panel work through that process."

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