Kiwis appoint Kidwell

Former Kiwi international David Kidwell has been appointed as assistant coach of the New Zealand national team.

Kidwell will assist Stephen Kearney at this year’s Four Nations tournament, scheduled for October and November of this year in Australia and New Zealand.

The former backrower, now aged 37, won 20 Kiwi caps in his playing career, and was part of the 2008 World Cup winning squad. He will work with the Kiwis until the end of 2015.

“Obviously, I’m very excited and honoured to be part of the Kiwis again,” he said.

“The future looks bright for the team and I’m happy to be part of that.

“I’ve been coaching for five years now and think I’ve picked up a few really good things that I can bring to the Kiwis.

“I have a good sound knowledge of the game and I think I’m a pretty good people person, but I’m also good at getting my point across.

“A few of the guys from the Junior Kiwis are now in the Kiwis, so it’ll be exciting to hook back up with them, having seen their progress through the NRL.”

Stephen Kearney had been working without an assistant, following the appointment of Andrew McFadden to the New Zealand Warriors head coach job.

Kidwell’s previous coaching experience includes coaching South Sydney Rabbitohs to the 2010 NRL Toyota Cup final, where they lost to the Warriors.

He has also served as first-grade assistant coach at the Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers, where his defensive work has been particularly impressive.

“It’s important we continue to develop our coaching depth at all levels, including the elite level,” added NZRL football general manager Tony Iro.

“David has certainly shown his ability during his career to date and we like the idea of a Kiwi coaching staff guiding this team towards the next World Cup.”