New Zealand have gone from the apex of international rugby league to a complete crossroads in the space of a few weeks, with the departure of head coach Michael Maguire leaving them with a gaping hole heading into 2024.
After five years in the top job with the Kiwis, the 49-year-old has taken up on a multi-year deal with the NSW Blues, opening the door for a replacement next year.
Stacey Jones and Nathan Cayless are reportedly in the mix for the vacant position, while the emergence of Wayne Bennett as a potential option could be enticing for NZRL.
The Sporting News looks at the candidates for the Kiwis head coaching job below.
Wayne Bennett
The legendary coach has announced himself as a genuine replacement option for New Zealand and it's certainly not out of the question for the organisation.
The 73-year-old has worked with the Kiwis in the past and with an enormous amount of experience, Bennett could be the ideal man for the job on a short-term basis.
Speaking to News Corp, Bennett explained that following his next season with the Dolphins, he will be available and interested to work with the Kiwis, which would be a far less-taxing schedule than the week-to-week NRL grind.
“I’m not retired yet so if the Kiwis are interested, I’m certainly open to it,” he said.
“I have great affection for the Kiwis, I coach several of their guys at the Dolphins in the Bromwich boys and Jamayne Isaako. The door is certainly open for me... they know where to find me.
“I don’t know what the end of the year holds for me but I’ll be finishing up as head coach of the Dolphins, so I’ll be unemployed and looking at all my options.”
At this stage, Bennett's focus remains at Redcliffe before he hand the reins over to Kristian Woolf at the end of 2024.
Stacey Jones
One of the most iconic Kiwi stars in history on the field, representing his country on 48 occasions over an 11-year span, as well as featuring for the Warriors in over 250 first grade matches.
While his head coaching experience has been limited to just 11 games in an interim capacity with the Auckland-based NRL franchise, he has worked with the club in assistant roles for the past decade.
NZRL boss Greg Peters has gone one the record saying they ideally want a Kiwi coach, but will be looking at all options and want the best possible man for the job.
Jones has a great rapport with a number of the Kiwi players and has the respect of everyone in the organisation - but it will be dependant on whether they want experience or not.
Nathan Cayless
Already entrenched in the Kiwis system is another Test great and someone that the hierarchy could look at as the most logical replacement for Maguire.
A former captain of the national side during their 2008 World Cup triumph over Australia, Cayless made 39 appearances in the black jumper and is highly-regarded across the ditch.
The 45-year-old recently coached the New Zealand A outfit in their clash with Tonga A, as well as assisting in the first-string team for the Pacific Championships, showing he is front of mind for Kiwi officials.
Similar to the status of Jones, the comments from Peters could also work in Cayless' favour given his storied history with NZRL and his passion for the team.
