The Big Read
New Kiwis coach brings enthusiasm to the role, writes Michael Burgess
avid Kidwell’s first foray into professional league was sealed over a breakfast scotch and milk at a Christchurch hotel 21 years ago.
Kidwell, who was announced as the new Kiwis coach last week, has been involved in the NRL as a player or coach for more than two decades.
It all began on an April morning in the Garden City in 1995. The 18- yearold Kidwell, who had made a name for himself on the domestic scene with junior representative teams, was invited to meet the late Peter Moore, the Bulldogs patriarch who was recruiting players for Super League, as the code’s civil war played out.
“Bullfrog [ Moore] was the big Super League scout at the time and we met at the Parkroyal in Christchurch,” said Kidwell. “We sat down and he asked my mumand I if we wanted a drink. We both ordered orange juice then Peter said to the waitress ‘ I’ll have a scotch and milk’. It was 8.30am. I looked at my mother and she just shrugged. He was a bit of character that Peter Moore . . . ”
Kidwell didn’t take much persuading to sign with the newly formed Adelaide Rams, having set a goal at the age of 11 of playing professional league.
“The Winfield Cup was always in my head,” said Kidwell. “I knew I would have to head to Australia to make it. Peter offered a $ 15,000 signon fee, then $ 1000 for each first- grade game I played. For us that was massive money and I signed straight away. It was a dream come true and the start of a journey.
That journey took an important new turn last week, when Kidwell was unveiled as the 29th man to coach the Kiwis since 1921. He was the logical choice, as Stephen Kearney’s assistant since 2014 and with six years of coaching work in the NRL behind him.
“I thought they might have had a look around Australia as there are a few experienced options around,” said former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott. “But I’m glad they didn’t. David’s done the apprenticeship and deserves the opportunity to show what he can do.”
Kidwell is famously passionate about the black and white V, and resembled a kid in a candy store last Friday, his enthusiasm bouncing off the walls at his first press conference.
“I was so proud to play for my country,” says Kidwell. “To coach my country is a huge honour. I can’t wait to get started.”
in Warkworth, north of Auckland, but his family moved to Christchurch before his first birthday. He joined the Hornby Panthers as a 7- year- old and life soon revolved around sport. As well as league, he was doing karate four times a week ( he has a black belt) and also played provincial volleyball and briefly dabbled in rugby.
“All I wanted to do was play sport,” said Kidwell. “School never really interested me, which I regret now but that was the way it was.”
After arriving in Adelaide, Kidwell had an inglorious introduction to