An independent review of the Kiwis abysmal Rugby League World Cup campaign has been completed.
New Zealand Rugby League has received a draft copy of the review which will be presented to the board at the end of the month.
The Kiwis failed to make the semi finals of the tournament, beaten by Tonga in pool play and then eliminated by Fiji in the quarterfinals.
Down and out - the World Cup is over for the Kiwis. Photo: Photosport
In a statement New Zealand Rugby League chair Reon Edwards said the panel's findings will be made public early in March 2018, however the Board has agreed to make two immediate changes.
"The first is that the Kiwis Coach Eligibility Rule has been reviewed and the Board has agreed to implement a recommendation from the review panel and immediately change this rule to allow for international as well as New Zealand candidates to apply," he said.
Reon Edwards, Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby League Board. Photo: Photosport
"While this change is designed to ensure the best possible person is appointed to the job, it should not be read in any way as a comment on the World Cup coach's past performance, nor on his possible re-appointment," said Edwards.
Head coach David Kidwell and the Kiwis staff are currently off contract.
Edwards confirmed the 2017 World Cup review findings were still scheduled to be released concurrently with the four-year Strategic Plan developed during 2017.
"The plan establishes our strategic direction - setting out significant steps to build on and improve rugby league in New Zealand, from a core focus at grassroots level through to our high performance programmes and the Kiwis."