New Zealand Rugby League coach Stephen Kearney. Photo / APN
It might seem less than ideal the Kiwis will play as few as three tests ahead of next year's World Cup, especially as defending champions, but coach Stephen Kearney thinks a lean international calendar is exactly what his players need.
The Kiwis were hit hard by player withdrawals for last year's tour Four Nations in the UK and Kearney said many others who travelled played like they needed a break as well as they failed to qualify for even the final.
The Kiwis will play Australia three times in the next 13 months - two Anzac tests and the end-of-year matchup - and might add a test to act as a warmup before next year's World Cup in the UK and France. Kearney is comfortable with the absence of an end-of-year tour in 2012 when he might normally have been expected to try a few options a year out from the World Cup.
"I think [the absence of a tour has] come at a good time for us," he said. "I know, particularly with last year, a number of guys required surgery and just needed a break from the game. If you look at our performances, some of them who went away probably could have done with a break, too."
The same could be said for Kearney, who endured a difficult year in 2011. The Kiwis won only one game, against Wales, but were beaten by Australia three times and England once. He also guided Parramatta to a disappointing 14th in his first season as an NRL head coach.
"It was a tough year but every experience whether it's good or bad is a lesson for me," he said. "There were some really good lessons out of last year, not only at a club level but also at international level. I feel if I can learn out of all of the occasions, it will make me a better coach in the future.
"I'm very mindful of where I want to take the footy club but also what we are trying to do at international level. That's the continual challenge, to keep working away and not be deterred from what you think will work for your footy club."
His next assignment is the Eels' matchup with the Warriors on Monday night but he's also got one eye on next month's Anzac Test at Eden Park.
New Zealand have not won in the annual match since their 22-16 defeat of Australia in 1998. Significantly, that was at North Harbour Stadium and next month's match is the first at home since then. The NZRL were always happy to give up hosting rights because they could make more money from a game played across the Tasman.
That hasn't helped the players but nor has the limited buildup against an Australian side Kearney says is like "a hand fitting into a glove" because of their familiarity with each of from State of Origin duty.
It might be more of a level playing field this time around, although Eden Park has been an unhappy venue for New Zealand league sides, and Kearney has implemented regular catchups with senior players to help bridge the gap with Australia. He will also pick his best side.
"It will be the strongest side but with an eye on what we think is going to be of benefit for us in 18 months' time [at the World Cup]," Kearney said.
The lack of tests is not a big problem ahead of the World Cup. The players will have two tough seasons of NRL to get them match-ready and the first few games of the tournament will also act as a buildup - New Zealand have been drawn with Papua New Guinea, France and Samoa.