The former rugby league player and commentator Peter Ropati says he's not surprised by the Kiwis demise in the World Cup and that the game in New Zealand has lacked leadership for a long time.
Kiwis Shaun Johnson is dejected following their loss during the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final match. New Zealand Kiwis v Fiji. Wellington 2017 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Kiwis coach David Kidwell is considering his future after their quarter-final loss to Fiji, while New Zealand Rugby League is launching a full review.
Ropati says so many bad decisions have been made and that starts at the top.
"You've just got to look at leadership, there are two current captains in that side and one former, but there's something not right in the team."
"Coach David Kidwell, I feel for the guy he is so out of his depth, he doesn't know how to deal with the current situation."
"The way they dealt with Proctor and Bromwich (following their drugs bust after the ANZAC test) was so dumb, getting rid of Simon Mannering (as captain), probably the only guy in that squad I can say I'm happy to see represent the game of rugby league... this is not new," said Ropati.
New Zealand's Dean Whare after the loss. Kiwis v Fiji, Rugby League World Cup, Wellington 2017 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Meanwhile former Kiwis coach Graeme Lowe was shocked to hear comments from halfback Shaun Johnson afterwards who said the local fans and media got their way for thinking they couldn't deliver.
"Those issues must have been talked about within the camp, to allow such negativity, that's the last thing you should be thinking about," said Lowe.
"Those comments are probably the worst, the most disgraceful comments I've ever heard in my entire life from a team that lost, to blame the fans is inexcusable and a stain on those players."
Lowe doesn't expect Kidwell to survive.
"I feel sorry for David because I'm sure he's given it his best shot, but he's probably out of his depth, the worrying factor is that there is no leadership in the game."
-RNZ
