New Zealand will begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign next week with a new assistant coach after the late withdrawal of Garth Brennan.
Kiwis coach David Kidwell will team up with North Sydney Bears coach Ben Gardiner, who has had recent success as assistant coach of New South Wales' under-20 team.
Brennan was announced as Gold Coast Titans coach on Thursday morning.
Kidwell said he had been in regular contact with Gardiner, in a coaching relationship which dates back to 2010 when the pair guided South Sydney's under-20 side to the NYC grand final.
"Ben and I have a long relationship, he's a good man and will bring a real focus on our defence," he said.
"He's done an excellent job everywhere he's been and I'm looking forward to his contribution to the Kiwis."
While he said it was disappointing not to have Brennan on board, Kidwell wished him well.
"Obviously this highlights the calibre of the coach Garth is, with other organisations also wanting his services," he said.
"We're really happy for him, and we are really happy to have Ben to join our team."
Gardiner said it was a privilege to be part of the Kiwis line-up.
"I look forward to learning more about the New Zealand culture and adding my personality and determination to compete," he said.
"I'm an energetic coach and I'm looking forward to mixing that with the energy that's already in the Kiwis squad."
The Kiwis open their RLWC campaign against Samoa in Auckland on Saturday October 28.
