Kidwell: Someone has to take blame for our failure

David Kidwell has ended a troubled reign as Kiwis coach, choosing not to reapply for the role.

Kidwell said he took responsibility for New Zealand’s quarter-final exit at the World Cup last year, when a group stage loss to Tonga was followed by another against Fiji in the knockout stage.

An independent review slammed New Zealand Rugby League management and its practices for the failure, with Kidwell only partly criticised.

The 40-year-old said the review was fair and he would be a better coach because of it.

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

“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 believed he would be a superior coach, having endured a steep learning curve since replacing Stephen Kearney 18 months ago.

He failed to challenge Australia in four tests while a draw with Scotland at the Four Nations and the twin Pacific Island defeats hit hard.

His biggest decision was to axe key forwards Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor from the World Cup after the pair allegedly took cocaine in the hours after last year’s Anzac test loss in Canberra.

That call was deemed to be rushed, the World Cup review found.

“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.

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

Applications for the Kiwis vacancy close this week.

Overseas contenders are permitted to apply under another recommendation from the review. — NZN