Des Hasler has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant New Zealand coaching role to focus on a return to the NRL.
Hasler was a candidate to take the job after meeting with New Zealand Rugby League last week.
Newshub revealed the former Canterbury Bulldogs and Manly Sea-Eagles coach was one of four high-profile contenders interviewed for the job - the others were Laurie Daley, Geoff Toovey and Michael Maguire.
But speaking to Macquarie Sports Radio on Monday, Hasler said he had pulled out of the running.
"Their aspirations are probably to go with somebody that's not still aspiring to be in the NRL, which is fair enough," Hasler said.
"At the end of the day, if you still have aspirations to coach an NRL side, I know with the Stephen Kearney situation, they were in a great situation."
Hasler fronted a Kiwi selection panel that included former Kiwis Monty Betham and Dean Bell, and former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott, as well as former Silver Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu.
"I went over there and had a chat to New Zealand Rugby League, just to see where they are at and where I'm at.
"It was good - they're a great nation.
"A side like that, if they can pull together the strongest possible national side, you would have a very strong side."
A decision on who will replace David Kidwell at the helm is expected next month.
Newshub.
