Michael Burgess: Get this right and Kiwi league can maybe rebuild

David Kidwell. Photo / Photosport.nz

The New Zealand Rugby League face their most important decision in a decade in choosing the new Kiwis coach.

After the World Cup debacle, and David Kidwell deciding not to seek reappointment, there is a chance to begin with a clean slate.

The Kiwis - and the NZRL - probably haven't been at such low ebb since early 2008, when Kiwis coach Gary Kemble resigned after a disastrous tour of England and France, beset by problems on and off the field.

Back then the game was almost torn apart, with the ugly sight of captain Roy Asotasi (backed up by senior player Kidwell) making public their doubts over Kemble.

The situation now isn't much better, with the damming review of the World Cup campaign, the series of losses under Kidwell's tenure, the exit of former CEO Alex Hayton (with surely more senior departures to come) and the issues created by the players who defected to Tonga.

There is a whole raft of things to sort out, especially given the NZRL's parlous financial state.

The Kiwis are key. If they can start performing again on the field, then plenty of other things fall into place, including sponsors, ticket sales and corporate and media interest.

That's been shown with the recent mini-revival at the Warriors. At the end of last year no one could have imagined a sellout crowd at Mt Smart, but a month into the season it has happened.

The Kiwis have a solid calendar this year - highlighted by a long-awaited clash with the Kangaroos in Auckland - and public and media interest will come back if the team does.

However, it will take a strong personality to lead the Kiwis renaissance. Some of the early contenders who have been touted, like former Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey, ex-Titans mentor Neil Henry and former NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley, all have some merit.

Toovey's passionate approach would resonate with New Zealanders, and he will be desperate to succeed after a spell away from the NRL. He may be better suited to the international game than the frenetic week-to-week demands of club football.

Daley will also have his advocates, and has the highest profile of any of the contenders. He would be good for the public face of the Kiwis, but his coaching experience is still relatively limited, though Origin is similar to test football.

Henry would be an interesting choice. He was highly respected for his work at Gold Coast, before things turned pear-shaped last year, not helped by several off-field incidents and the negative impact of Jarryd Hayne's arrival.

But Henry has been a quiet achiever during his time at the Raiders, Cowboys and Titans, and is one of the game's best tactical minds.

Whoever is appointed, the new man will need to pull back on the cultural aspects of the team environment that went way over the top under Kidwell. There's nothing wrong with trying to build a unique team culture, but it must remain secondary to work on tactics, strategy and gameplan.