Kearney fights to retain Kiwi job

Sonny Bill Williams with Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney. Pic Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

BRISBANE assistant coach Stephen Kearney is fighting to retain his job as Kiwis Test coach after being told he must reapply for the position as New Zealand rugby league considers international candidates for the first time.

Kearney's contract with the NZRL expired after the World Cup when the Kiwis were thumped 34-2 by Australia in the final at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Kearney, who is contracted to the Broncos for another season as Anthony Griffin's assistant, has indicated he wants the keep the job and intends to reapply.

New Zealand's campaign remains mired in controversy with investigations currently under way into alleged misuse of prescription drugs by players throughout the World Cup.

Kearney has indicated to the NZRL he intends to reapply for the position. The ARL Commission's recently formed Integrity Unit is also looking into the matter as the team consisted of many NRL players.

Kearney had held the role as Kiwis mentor since 2008, taking New Zealand to a memorable World Cup triumph in 2008 and a Four Nations tournament win in 2010.

There had been a push for New Zealand to appoint a fulltime coach in 2014, following on from the success of Kangaroos Test coach Tim Sheens with Australia.

Wayne Bennett and Stephen Kearney during New Zealand Rugby League team warm up. Source: News Limited

But the NZRL has confirmed the role will remain as it currently stands and they've opened the door for candidates from Australia and Great Britain by also advertising in both countries.

"We have a big year in prospect and want a strong build-up towards what may well be a 2017 World Cup on home soil,'' NZRL chief executive Phil Holden said.

"Stephen has done a great job with the Kiwis, but this is a chance for us to test the market and see who else puts their hand up for the role.

"Obviously, there were things we did really well and other things we need to improve on to reclaim the World Cup next time round.

"We wanted this process to be as robust as possible to help us get the right coach in place and begin our long-term preparations for 2017.''

The NZRL has given applicants until the end of the month to apply and hope to fast-track their global search by making an appointment at a board meeting mid-February following interviews with a six-man selection panel.

With the Anzac Test match against Australia in Sydney on May 2 the new coach won't have long to get preparations ready as the Kiwis chase their first mid-season Test win over the Kangaroos since 1998.

"What's driving this from our point of view is the Anzac test,'' Holden said.

"We're trying to create as much time as we can to prepare for that first challenge of the year.''

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