NZRL needs to take long-term view with coach
OPINION: Now all of New Zealand Rugby League’s shortcomings have been laid bare, next up is the monumental repair job.
When it comes to the Kiwis at least, right at the top of the list is finding a new head coach.
NZRL chairman Reon Edwards spoke of the need not to rush the appointment, but with six tests in 2018 – one of the Kiwis’ busier schedules outside a World Cup year – and the first of those in three months, time is of the essence.
In one of the many issues highlighted by the independent review of the failed World Cup campaign, a lack communication was a major downfall.
Relations with players and NRL clubs need to be significantly enhanced.
That starts with NZRL management and instilling highperformance expertise that was found to be almost non-existent by the review.
But certainly for the players, they need to see the team has a clear plan for success. And that begins with the coach.
As scathing as the review was on David Kidwell, the door has been left open for him to re-apply.
It should be noted that Kidwell was said to have retained the confidence of the playing squad, while the report was also complimentary of the team culture he during the tournament.
But the clear facts are that he presided over New Zealand’s worst result at a World Cup, with back-toback defeats to tier two nations and an overall record of just three wins from 10 tests.
With overseas candidates now able to apply, and given the extent to which the review highlighted Kidwell’s inexperience, a coach with a proven track record is a must.
The mind immediately springs to Des Hasler and Michael Maguire, two high-profile options without a current NRL coaching job.
Both have won premierships (Hasler twice) and the appointment created of either of them would go some way to restoring the Kiwis’ credibility.
Yet even if the NZRL could afford them, the organisation needs to think long term.
World Cup preparations began to unravel a year before the tournament when former coach Stephen Kearney left to take charge of the Warriors.
The NZRL was left exposed without a clear back-up plan, which needs to be addressed. But as much as possible, it needs to safeguard against the same situation happening again before the 2021 event.
It is hard to imagine Hasler or Maguire not having an NRL head coaching position during that period. In fact, it would come as little surprise to see them both back in first grade by the end of the year.
Even if they were keen to juggle both roles, how willing would their new employer be to allow that to happen?
Which leads to the risk with appointing coaches currently in the NRL. As soon as the club starts to struggle, outside commitments tend to become expendable.
There are a few coaches in situations with the security to do it, namely Craig Bellamy. Although, whether the Melbourne super coach would even consider coaching New Zealand remains to be seen.
Excluding current NRL coaches does limit the options, which is why suggestions of Laurie Daley coming in holds some merit.
His experience in planning for Origin camps translates well into the test arena and could prove invaluable in rebuilding the highperformance programme.
Neil Henry is another Australian contender who has plenty of experience at NRL and Origin level, and has probably had his time as a club head coach.
The main point being is that the upcoming appointment will be critical to the Kiwis’ success at the next World Cup.
The NZRL needs will see it through. someone who