Former Kiwi Adam Blair has joined the team's coaching staff. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
The Kiwis have bolstered their coaching line-up with almost 90 caps of test experience.
Head coach Stacey Jones has finalised his coaching staff ahead of the 2024 Pacific Championships. It features six former Kiwis, including assistant coaches Nathan Cayless and Adam Blair.
Former Warrington and St George head coach Steve Price returns for his third year as Kiwis assistant coach, having been with the team since the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Jones' former Kiwis teammate Cayless also returns to the staff after serving as Kiwis assistant coach and Kiwis A head coach in 2023.
"Steve Price brings his defensive mindset. That was a big part of the group last year, having a strong defensive game plan and he brought that," Jones said.
"Nathan Cayless has a strong connection with our middle forwards and brings both attacking and defensive knowledge."
Fifty-test Kiwi Adam Blair enters his maiden season as Kiwis assistant coach off the back of his involvement with both Kiwis and Kiwis A teams in 2023.
"The Kiwis has always given me a place of purpose ... to be able to represent my country and my family was always an honour," he said.
"Now being given an opportunity to be involved as an assistant coach, it is a privilege to help shape the next generation of Kiwi players.
"I am a competitor and want the Kiwis to be the best team in the world."
The team's wider staff is bolstered by Stephen Kearney, the 2008 World Cup-winning Kiwis head coach and former Kiwi who steps into the role of culture and leadership advisor.
"I saw what Steve did in the campaign last year, the connection he created by giving the group a good understanding of what playing for the Kiwis means. Steve's got a strong insight into that," Jones said.
Daryl Halligan (kicking coach) and David Solomona (wellbeing manager) round out the cohort of six former Kiwis in Jones' team staff.
The New Zealand Kiwis will play in the Pacific Championships international test series later this year, with a full schedule still to be released.