Kidwell’s appointment was announced Friday afternoon and follows former New Zealand mentor Stephen Kearney's signing as Warriors coach on Tuesday.

Kidwell, 39, had been Kearney's assistant for the national side since 2014 and was an assistant coach for Jason Taylor at Wests Tigers this year.

Kidwell will assume the role full-time with next month’s one-off Trans-Tasman Test against Australia in Perth and the Four Nations tournament in England his first assignments.

“I feel humbled and privileged to be named head coach of the Kiwis,” Kidwell said.

“As assistant, I’ve watched Stephen building a strong culture within the programme and I want to make sure that is upheld and becomes even stronger. That’s the message I’ll be giving to our senior players.

“I’ll add my own individual style to the Kiwis, but as far as culture and values and belief in ourselves, I’m determined to uphold these foundations of our house, as we say. That passion for the black-and-white jersey is paramount.”  

Kidwell played 25 tests for New Zealand between 1999-2008 including the victorious 2008 Rugby League World Cup campaign.