The impending appointment of Michael Maguire should be welcomed by Kiwis fans - though there might be a few nerves about the potential length of his tenure.
Maguire is set to be named as Kiwis coach, bringing to an end the search for David Kidwell's successor.
Given his achievements inthe game, with titles in the Super League and NRL, Maguire has an impressive resume.
Of the other contenders Des Hasler's CV was probably the standout, but it was always questionable how he would fit into such an environment, and Hasler ruled himself out of the race quite early anyway.
In the end, it seems to have come down to a choice between Maguire and former NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley, and it appears Maguire has edged it.
Daley would have had his backers - with some pointing out the parallels between test football and the Origin arena - but Maguire wins by the length of the strait in terms of experience.
He has been coaching since 2010, with 70 matches at Wigan and more than 165 at South Sydney.
Maguire has been faced with all kinds of situations and challenges, and also dealt with a large range of personalities and players, which will be extremely beneficial in the Kiwis environment.
Michael Maguire after winning the Super League Grand Final with Wigan. Photo / Photosport
Maguire is known for his use of sports science and has closely studied other codes, especially American sports, always looking to pick up learnings.
He's young (44), and recognised for being extremely thorough and modern in his approach.
But all of the above qualities also make him a prime candidate should any NRL vacancies arise.
Maguire has made no secret of his club ambitions, and what happens if Manly, Parramatta or the Titans decide they need a new man at the helm at the end of this season?
The last thing the Kiwis need is another change midway through a cycle - just look how that worked out last time.
There's also, presumably, no way to tie Maguire to a Kiwis contract, and few, if any NRL clubs seeking a new coach would allow combined duties (a la Wayne Bennett with the Broncos and England).
That's what could unfold. That doesn't mean the NZRL should disregard the merits of the best candidate, but it is a note of caution.
Maguire could bring a lot to the Kiwis fold, and he will probably enjoy the break away from the week-to-week intensity of the NRL.
Indeed, the ideal scenario is that Maguire thrives on the challenge and stays until the end of the 2021 World Cup.
