New Zealand Rugby League CEO Alex Hayton set to resign, according to reports

06/03/2018

The Kiwis were bundled out of October's World Cup with a shock quarter-final loss to Fiji. Photo credit: Photosport

Reports have emerged that the first casualty of the review of the Kiwis' disastrous World Cup campaign is about to occur.

According to NZME, New Zealand Rugby League CEO Alex Hayton's resignation is imminent.

Laurie Daley favourite for Kiwis role - reports

An independent review was commissioned in the wake of the failures of October, and it seems the NZRL will now be left scouring for a replacement for Hayton.

That official review was conducted by new Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle in conjunction with lawyer Tim Castle. Their findings were passed to the board on Friday.

Hayton with Kiwis utility Thomas Leuluai. Photo credit: Photosport

It's also searching for a new head coach with David Kidwell's contract expired.

Hayton replaced Phil Holden as CEO in June 2016 after a nine-year term as Chief Financial Officer and was immediately thrown into the fire by coach Stephen Kearney's departure for the Warriors.

The heat continued with Kiwis captain Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor's suspension after being caught attempting to purchase cocaine outside a nightclub in Canberra hours after a heavy defeat to Australia.

Newshub has approached the NZRL but has been declined any further comment.

Newshub.