Kidwell won’t chase Kiwis job
David Kidwell has chosen not to reapply for the Kiwis coaching position after taking responsibility for New Zealand’s disappointing Rugby League World Cup campaign.
Kidwell’s contract expired after a disastrous tournament in which the Kiwis failed to make the semi-finals after shock losses to Tonga and then Fiji in the quarterfinals.
New Zealand Rugby League undertook a review - led by Australian Rugby Union CEO Raelene Castle and sports lawyer Tim Castle - that found a number of failings, including not providing Kidwell a highlevel plan for the campaign.
The report also found that Kidwell was too inexperienced to be handed the role and that he tried to implement too much change in a short space of time. Despite the appraisal, Kidwell was given the opportunity to reapply for his position.
However, the former Rams, Eels, Roosters, Storm and Rabbitohs forward has decided not to put himself forward, in a move that will result in a new coach being appointed.
‘‘The tough lessons are the ones you learn the most from – and I’ve had a lifetime’s worth of tough lessons over the past year or so,’’ Kidwell said.
‘‘With the shakeup of the Kiwis set-up that is bound to follow from the review of our World Cup campaign, if I were to continue as coach I’m sure I would be better positioned to make a positive contribution to the success of the test team going forward.
‘‘However, someone has to shoulder responsibility for the failure of our campaign. I’m putting my hand up to acknowledge accountability, so our game can move forward.’’
Kidwell’s campaign was marred by a number of highprofile defections, with Jason Taumalolo, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Manu Ma’u and David Fusita choosing Tonga over the Kiwis. He also came under criticism for his decision to ban Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor for the tournament after the pair were embroiled in a drugs drama after the mid-year Test against the Kangaroos.
‘‘The other consideration for me is that it’s obvious if I were to apply for the job and get it, the controversy that would blow up would be a huge distraction from the task of building a Kiwis side that can once again be a true contender on the international stage,’’ Kidwell said.
‘‘I love this game. It’s been my life and I hope I’ll have the opportunity to serve it well in future. That’s what I’m focused on now.
‘‘I wish my successor all the very best.’’
In a bid to get the best person for the Kiwis coaching role, the job has been made available to all contenders rather than just Kiwi applicants.
It’s expected that high-profile coaches from inside and outside the NRL will apply. It’s a ploy that has previously paid dividends, as evidenced by Wayne Bennett’s involvement when Stephen Kearney’s side took out the 2008 World Cup.
Former Blues coach Laurie Daley - whose wife is a Kiwi - is believed to be considering the post. Des Hasler and Michael Maguire are two premiershipwinning coaches could also be considered.