Rugby League: NZRL review's shock findings revealed

A damning review into the Kiwis' World Cup failure has found a glaring lack of leadership from the top down and is set to effectively end David Kidwell's tenure as head coach.

The findings of the long-awaited review, conducted by leading sports lawyer Tim Castle and former Bulldogs and Netball New Zealand boss Raelene Castle, will be released to the public on Friday with a press conference scheduled at Rugby League House in Auckland.

Raelene Castle led the review. Photo / Getty

The Herald understands the review's findings highlight a lack of direction and poor decision-making by the front office, the Kiwis' management team and the playing group - but are particularly critical of Kidwell and recently-departed chief executive Alex Hayton.

Hayton saved the board from taking action by resigning last week while there is no way the off-contract Kidwell will be reappointed as a result of these findings, the Herald has learned.

The appointments process for key roles will be criticised and those poor decisions allowed for a strategy that simply wasn't up to the level needed for a major global tournament.

Campaign manager Shane Richardson won't be spared either. He was allowed to return to Australia in between games despite being charged with running the side's tournament - all in the aftermath of the Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor drugs scandal after the Anzac Day defeat to the Kangaroos.

Alex Hayton resigned as CEO last week. Photo / Photosport

Over the past 12 months a number of long-standing board members, who presided over the appointment of Hayton and Kidwell, have moved on with the last remaining one - John Bishop – set to exit in June.

The new-look board, led by chairman Reon Edwards, will appoint a new chief executive and help shape the way forward in the coming months.

A new process will be created to find the next Kiwis coach with former NSW State of Origin mentor Laurie Daley a possible target.