Earlier this week, Newshub revealed that four top-level coaches have been interviewed for the vacant job to lead the Kiwis into a new era following a dismal 2017 campaign.
Des Hasler, Geoff Toovey, Laurie Daley and Michael Maguire were all spotted in Auckland, all four wanting to take on the role.
They have similarities in the fact they have all played in the NRL and have been successful as coaches, whether in the Australian competition, Super League or State of Origin.
But which potential suitor stands above the rest with success leading teams to glory?
Newshub takes a closer look at the history of the four men fighting for the right to be the 31st man and first non-New Zealander since Daniel Anderson to lead the Kiwis.
Des Hasler
Coaching History:
Manly Sea Eagles - 2004-2011. Games: 206 - won 122, lost 84.
Three grand finals (won 2008, 2011, lost 2007).
Canterbury Bulldogs - 2012 -2017. Games: 155, won 88, lost 67.
Two grand finals (lost 2012, 2014).
Notable New Zealanders coached: Kieran Foran, Steve Matai, Sam Perrett, Greg Eastwood, Krisnan Inu, Frank Prichard.
Hasler's resume speaks volumes due to previous success in the NRL. In total, the two-time coach of the year has been to five grand finals during his career. But even more impressive than that, he has led his teams to the finals 12 out of the 14 years in charge of an NRL side. He was cut as coach of the Bulldogs at the end of 2017, despite signing a two-year extension earlier in the year.
Geoff Toovey
Coaching History:
Manly Sea Eagles - 2012-2015. Games: 105 - won 61, drawn 1, lost 43.
One grand final (lost 2013).
Bradford Bulls - 2017. Games: 23 - won 6, lost 17.
Notable New Zealanders coached: Kieran Foran, Steve Matai, Joe Galuvao, Peta Hiku, Ligi Sao.
The outspoken coach has been vocal in his desire to take the reins of New Zealand - three finals appearances in four years at Manly including one grand final is impressive by today's standards. His stint at Bradford was far from perfect, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt due to the drama around the club heading into the season. He has talked about the prospect of moving to NZ, but he still has sights on the NRL.
Laurie Daley
Coaching History:
NSW Country - 2008-2012. Games: 5 - won 2, drawn 1, lost 2.
Indigenous All Stars - 2011-2015. Games: 4 - won 2, lost 2.
Prime Ministers XIII - 2013-2014. Games: 2 - won 2.
New South Wales - 2013-2017. Games: 15 - won 6, lost 9.
Notable New Zealanders coached: N/A.
The Raiders legend has no club experience but has been successful coaching in representative football. His biggest achievement was coaching New South Wales to Origin glory in 2014. NSW also came close last year, but were outclassed in the deciding match. Despite not having coached any notable former Kiwis, he has played alongside many during his time in the capital including Ruben Wiki, Brent Todd, Johnny Lomax and Quinton Pongia.
Michael Maguire
Coaching History:
Wigan Warriors - 2010-2011. Games: 70 - won 53, drawn 3, lost 14.
One grand final (won 2010), One Challenge Cup (won 2011).
South Sydney Rabbitohs - 2012-2017. Games 153 - won 85, lost 68.
One grand final (won 2014).
Notable New Zealanders coached: Thomas Leuluai, Jeff Lima, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, Bryson Goodwin.
Maguire is the only coach with success in both the Super League and NRL. He had been in talks to replace Brad Fittler as coach of Lebanon, but that has since fallen through. He boasts plenty of credentials with titles in England and Australia. On top of that, the 44-year-old has gotten the best out of Kiwis in the past, with Issac Luke and Bryson Goodwin arguably playing their best footy under Maguire at Souths.
Newshub.
