Steve McNamara will add another position to his portfolio, stepping back into the international arena to become the new Kiwi assistant coach for at least the remainder of 2017.
McNamara arrived in New Zealand in October to take up a position as the Warriors assistant coach under Stephen Kearney and will assist Kiwis coach David Kidwell for the Anzac Test as well as the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
"Steve has spent time as an assistant at both the Sydney Roosters as well as now at the Warriors, but he also knows International Rugby League having been the Great Britain assistant and the England Head Coach," Kidwell said.
McNamara spent five years at the helm of England where he led them to second place in the 2011 Four Nations as well as third place at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Kidwell said it was key that if the Kiwis were to challenge for the global tournament at the end of the year, he had the best in the business helping him.
"We had an independent review conducted after last year's Four Nations and that's where it was identified that in order for us to have a winning culture and ultimately give us the best shot at winning the Rugby League World Cup, there was a need for greater leadership, both on and off the field.
"So, this has been my opportunity to lead in that department, and I'm doing that by surrounding myself with the best in the business."
McNamara's first challenge with the Kiwis will be to help them over Four Nations champions Australia in the Anzac Test which will take place in Canberra next month.
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