Kidwell’s baptism of fire with new Kiwis
‘ We've got to number one and we want to stay there.’ DAVID KIDWELL
DAVID Kidwell’s elevation from assistant to head coach of the Kiwis was a natural progression.
Given the success of the national side over the past three years there was little need to rock the boat when Stephen Kearney opted to end his tenure and move on to the Warriors.
New Zealand Rugby League had a succession plan which they were keen to implement and few would argue that Kidwell wasn’t the best choice for the job.
Yet as he prepares for his first assignment in charge, there is no question the 39-year-old former Kiwis enforcer faces a baptism of fire.
When New Zealand run out onto Perth’s nib Stadium next Saturday, Kidwell will have had as a little as a month in the hot seat.
The defence of their Four Nations title gets under way two weeks later in the UK, where the Kiwis have traditionally struggled to deliver consistent results.
A year out from the World Cup, there is a view that the upcoming tour could be used as a building period towards the ultimate goal.
Some of Kidwell’s selections this week reflected that, most notably rookie five-eighth Te Maire Martin, who has only six NRL games behind him.
However, the coach is confident his time working under Kearney is more than enough preparation to make an immediate impact.
‘‘Over the last three years, we’ve laid that pride and foundation, we’ve got to number one and we want to stay there,’’ Kidwell said. ‘‘That’s something I’m going to be driving.
‘‘While we’ve got the World Cup in the future we’ve also got the Four Nations and a Perth test and making sure we get the balance right of young and old.’’
A veteran of 25 tests for the Kiwis who always wore his heart on his sleeve, Kidwell joined the coaching staff in the wake of the failed 2013 World Cup campaign.
Along with Kearney, he was a big proponent of creating a strong dressing room culture, with an emphasis on selflessness and holding the team’s values above all else.
Like his predecessor, Kidwell also had the privilege of learning his trade under master mentor Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, which has undoubtedly shaped much of his coaching.
Yet it’s the Te Iwi Kiwi mantra PHOTOSPORT that is at the heart of his philosophy with the national team.
‘‘Something that Stephen Kearney and myself in the last three years have built up is making sure that culture’s strong,’’ said Kidwell.
‘‘I’ve got some really great leaders in there as well. We’ve got some young guys to come through so I need to make sure those leaders in that team are bringing those guys through.’’
During his visit to Auckland this week to promote the NRL Nines, Kangaroos halfback Johnathan Thurston suggested that, as defending champions, the Kiwis would start as favourites.
Thurston was kidding no-one with that statement.
But even with the absence of Kieran Foran, Roger TuivasaSheck, Ben Matulino, Dean Whare and Peta Hiku, Kidwell has assembled a strong squad which highlights New Zealand’s growing depth in the NRL.
As usual, the strength lies in the forwards, particularly in a crowded back-row led by jointDally M medal winner Jason Taumalolo.
Winger Jordan Rapana, coming off a stellar season with the Raiders, headlines an exciting batch of rookies, including teammate Joseph Tapine and Warriors duo David Fusitu’a and Solomone Kata, with Martin the only clearcut bolter.
Kidwell had an association with Martin at the Tigers before he signed with Penrith last year. Even at that stage, Kidwell said, Martin had the temperament of a regular first-grader.
‘‘He was a 19-year-old kid telling 30-year-old men where to go and that’s what I looked for for guys to play in the halves,’’ Kidwell said. ‘‘I’ve got no problem with him if we need to use him.’’