19 Oct 2017

Late change to Kiwis Cup coaching team

5:49 pm on 19 October 2017

The Kiwi's have appointed Australian Ben Gardiner as assistant coach for their Rugby League World Cup campaign following the late withdrawal of incumbant Garth Brennan.

Kiwis assistant coach Ben Gardiner

Kiwis assistant coach Ben Gardiner Photo: Photosport

Brennan, who joined the Kiwi's cup coaching team in August as assistant to head coach David Kidwell, has been named as the Gold Coast Titans new coach and has withdrawn from the Kiwi's campaign due to his commitments with his new role.

Gardiner is currently part of the South Sydney Rabbitohs coaching team and has had stints as head coach of the New South Wales Cup side, the North Sydney Bears, along with assistant coach roles for the New South Wales Under 20 side.

David Kidwell

Kiwis head coach David Kidwell Photo: Photosport

Kidwell and Gardiner's coaching relationship dates back to 2010 when the duo guided South Sydney Under 20s to the Grand final.

Kidwell says he has been in regular contact with Gardiner and he has already joined the team at their pre-Cup camp at Turangawaewae Marae.

"Thanks to all the forward planning we've done in regards to this World Cup campaign, Ben as already made a seamless transition into camp," said Kidwell.

'Ben and I have a long relationship, he's a good man and will bring a real focus on our defence. He's done an excellent job everywhere he's been and I'm looking forward to his contribution to the Kiwis.'

Kidwell also wished Brennan well at the Titans.

"Obviously this highlights the calibre of the coach Garth is with other organisations also wanting his services, so as disappointed as we are not to have him on board, we're really happy for him."

The Kiwis play their first game against Samoa in Auckland on October 28.