Rugby League: David Kidwell's vision for the Kiwis

In revealing his vision for the Kiwis, newly promoted New Zealand test coach David Kidwell intends to draw on the past to drive the side forward into the future.

Kidwell will forgo his assistant coaching role at Wests Tigers and immediately begin a fulltime role as Stephen Kearney's coaching successor on a contract that will take him through until the end of next year's World Cup.

Next month's transtasman test against Australia in Perth and the ensuing Four Nations defence in the UK through November are his first assignments, but Kidwell has firm ideas about the long-term goals he has for the side.

"I intend to bring a lot of pride and passion back into the Kiwis jersey," Kidwell said.

"The three years that I've been involved with the Kiwis we've had a Te Iwi Kiwi culture and that's something that I'm very strong on and that I'm going to continue.

"I've already spoken to some of the senior players and they're one hundred per cent behind me in driving that.

"Players want certainty and I'm certain that I'm that man that can take the Kiwis to another level."

The Te Iwi Kiwi culture was implemented by Kearney following the failed 2013 World Cup campaign, with an overall message of selflessness and shared commitment to the team's values and goals. And while the slogan is of Maori origin, it encompasses all cultures within the Kiwis side.

By further impressing and reinforcing upon players the proud history of past Kiwis teams, Kidwell believes they can achieve new heights in performance.

"When Stephen was talking to me about the culture, it just resonated with me and we just took it and ran with it," he said. "I really believe that there's another level that we can get to (with that) and that ultimately is why I wanted and accepted the job."

Kidwell is yet to appoint his own assistants and may not do so until next year if the right candidates are not readily available.

He refused to reveal who would captain the side, saying only that he has "a person in mind that fits the Te Iwi Kiwi culture and leads that."

As well as monitoring players performance across the Tasman, NZRL chief executive Alex Hayton says Kidwell's fulltime position in Australia will also allow him to focus on securing the best prospective New Zealand players.

"We're in a battle with other countries to win the hearts and minds of kids that have dual eligibility and David can make sure those New Zealand heritage kids are aligned to New Zealand by just having his presence over there."

After a 13-year playing career that amassed 240 first grade games, Kidwell began his coaching apprenticeship at NRL level under one of the most respected minds in the game in Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

But the 39-year-old says the challenges he's faced during the last three years alongside Michael Potter and then Jason Taylor at Wests Tigers have been even more beneficial to his development.

"You probably learn more from adversity.

"The NRL tests you out mentally as well as physically. And when you lose seven or eight in a row that can be challenging for a coach.

"Getting to know players when they're down and trying to make sure they have the energy for the whole 26 weeks.

"I've learned to make sure we're seen as though we've got the energy."

Kidwell's appointment was met with the approval of his Kangaroos adversary Mal Meninga, who says the Kiwis will benefit from the continuity of their coaching succession.

"David is a natural selection," said Meninga. "He's been a great player for his country and he's had a really good apprenticeship as well.

"He's worked under some great coaches and he's obviously worked with the Kiwis as a well so that just keeps the ball rolling for them."

David Kidwell

Age:

39-years-old

Place of Birth:

Christchurch

Previous Appointments:

Kiwis Assistant Coach (2014-16), Melbourne NRL Assistant (2011-13), Junior Kiwis Coach (2010-12), South Sydney NYC (2010).

Coaching Achievements:

Premiers 2012 (Melbourne Storm, NRL Assistant Coach), Minor Premiers 2011 (Melbourne Storm, NRL Assistant Coach), Minor Premiers 2010 (South Sydney, NYC Coach), Series Win 2010-12 (New Zealand Junior Kiwis Head Coach).

First Grade Playing Career:

241 first-grade games as second-rower or centre - 16 for Adelaide (1997-98), 33 for Parramatta (1999-00), 32 for Warrington (2001-02), 19 for Sydney Roosters (2002), 103 for Melbourne (2003-06), 38 for South Sydney (2007-09), 25 tests for New Zealand (1999-2009).