League: Kiwis confirm coaching staff

Former Roosters coach Brian Smith. Photo / Getty

The Kiwis have confirmed their coaching staff for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

As reported yesterday by the Herald, Kiwis coach David Kidwell has brought in veteran NRL coach Brian Smith and highly-regarded up and comer Garth Brennan as part of his staff.

Smith has been named as Kidwell's technical advisor, following 25 seasons coaching in the NRL with the Illawarra Steelers, St George Dragons, Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters, as well as three stints coaching in the UK.

Kidwell, who replaced Stephen Kearney as Kiwis coach a year ago, has a relationship with Smith having played under him at Parramatta in the late 1990s.

Brennan is yet to coach at first grade level but has been tipped as a future NRL coach. Brennan has also coached lower grades at Penrith and knows a number of the young Kiwi players.

Former NRL star-turned commentator Matthew Johns nominated Brennan as the game's next great coach.

"I've had a rap on fellow named Garth Brennan for a long time," Johns said on his Triple M radio show.

"Brennan has been coaching lower grades at Penrith for a number of years now and he's won competition after competition.

Kidwell is pleased to have confirmed his assistants.

"Garth and Brian have the skills and depth of experience to be a very good fit for us. They also share my approach to standards and values - and they are really fizzing to be part of our setup.

"Brian's record speaks for itself. He has played first grade, and coached in the NRL and UK Super League. He also coached NSW Country, so knows what's required to bring players together from their clubs for short campaigns."

"Garth has been talked about for some years, but it's tough for these guys to find a first-grade coaching spot, there is so much competition for places. Despite that, I know he will offer us a lot. He has proven over many years that he can relate to the young players to get the best out of them and I am confident that he will be an asset to our coaching group."

In addition to current selection panel of Kidwell, Tawera Nikau and Tony Iro, the Kiwis have also added Hugh McGahan.

The Kiwis campaign kicks off at Mt Smart Stadium on October 28 when they play Samoa before heading to Christchurch to face Scotland (Nov 4), and Hamilton to take on Tonga (November 11).

There are quarter-finals in Wellington and Christchurch (Nov 18), a semi-final at Mt Smart (November 25) before the tournament final in Brisbane.