David Kidwell future as New Zealand coach in doubt

David Kidwell’s future as coach of the New Zealand national team looks in doubt after the NZRL announced that it will open the coaching role to all candidates.

In a press release by the Kiwis, the New Zealand Rugby League believe the transition “should not be read in any way as a comment on the World Cup coach’s past performance, nor on his possible re-appointment in the role”.

The Kiwis had a poor World Cup campaign by their standards in 2017. They lost to Tonga in the group stages and were beaten by Fiji in the quarter-finals.

The NZRL have now confirmed that the position of head coach will now be open to all applications.

Reon Edwards, NZRL chair, said: “The Kiwis coach eligibility rule has been reviewed and the board has agreed to implement a recommendation from the review panel and immediately change this rule to allow for international as well as New Zealand candidates to apply.

“While this change is designed to ensure the best possible person is appointed to the job, it should not be read in any way as a comment on the World Cup coach’s past performance, nor on his possible re-appointment in the role due to his appointment having concluded at the end of the 2017 World Cup.”

Kidwell will be able to reapply but because the New Zealand Rugby League are opening the market to everyone, it suggests that they don’t think Kidwell is the man for the job.