Kidwell not after 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 high-level 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.

‘‘I believe the review of our World Cup campaign has been fair. I was given a good hearing by the panel and while the report identifies my shortcomings, it also highlights many of the things I did well.

‘‘I’m in no doubt I’ll be a stronger and better coach, taking on board the panel’s comments.

‘‘Most importantly, from my point of view, the review didn’t come down with a recommendation that I didn’t deserve another chance.

‘‘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.