Michael Burgess: Jones hot tip for an assistant role with the Kiwis

Warriors icon Stacey Jones. Photo / Getty Images

The next Kiwis coach will be from across the Tasman but his assistant is set to be a New Zealander.

The Herald on Sunday understands that part of the arrangement with the new coach — whose appointment should be confirmed by the end of this week — is that a New Zealander will be part of the coaching team.

That will appease elements of the New Zealand league community, still struggling with the thought of an Australian-based mentor for the national side.

Warriors icon Stacey Jones is the obvious choice as deputy but that would be contingent on him being released from his club duties.

Former Kiwis coach David Kidwell wanted Jones on board for the 2017 World Cup campaign but Warriors head Stephen Kearney turned down the request, deciding they couldn't afford to be without their assistant coach for such a prolonged period, such was the importance of the pre-season.

Nathan Cayless could be another option. The 2008 World Cup-winning captain has been part of the junior development system at Parramatta for a few years and is the Junior Kiwis coach.

Richie Blackmore has an impressive domestic CV and should be considered, while Jerome Ropati has signalled he is interested in a career with the clipboard.

Aside from the assistant, of greater concern is the nature of the contract. The NZRL wants to appoint someone through to the 2021 World Cup in England, and it is crucial that the next coach remains for the long haul, as the Kiwis rebuild following the dismal 2017 campaign.

But all four of the head coaching candidates carry a significant flight risk.

What happens if an NRL job becomes available later this year (possible) or next year (going on history, extremely probable)?

Former Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire is seen as favourite for any future NRL vacancy, given his pedigree and achievements in Australia and England.

Des Hasler's name will also come up around any club positions in the coming years. He fashioned a spectacular record at Brookvale, then became one of few coaches to take a second club to the grand final, with the Bulldogs in 2012 and 2014.

Former NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley is untried at club level, and probably holds less appeal, but his profile means he will always be part of discussions, while Geoff Toovey also has a decent record.

The NZRL panel's decision is two-fold. They need to decide the best man for the job, but also pick the candidate who is most likely to be interested in staying for the full tenure.

There's always the chance that the Kiwis job could be combined with a club role in the future, but that appears slim.

Any NRL club appointing a new coach usually has a repair job on their hands and can't afford to have divided attention.

The panel, led by Dean Bell, have identified man management skills as a key priority for the new coach. Aside from achievements, the new Kiwis coach will also need to be committed to assisting in junior development, and providing pathways for the next generation of coaches and players.