Stephen Kearney has survived an arduous post-World Cup review and will be retained as the head coach of the Kiwis.

After his New Zealand side was trounced 34-2 by the Kangaroos in the World Cup final last year, the off-contract Kearney was forced to reapply for the position and was one of four shortlisted candidates along with former Kiwis David Kidwell and Richie Blackmore and Australian Glenn Morrison.

Backed: Stephen Kearney. Credit:Getty Images

The four would-be coaches were interviewed last week and an appointments panel has made a recommendation to the New Zealand Rugby League board to stick with Kearney. It's understood the board has since rubber-stamped the recommendation, meaning Kearney, also an assistant coach with the Brisbane Broncos, will resume his duties in charge of the national team.

His reappointment will come after strong lobbying from Kiwis players and will extend his tenure as national coach into a seventh year despite a poor record against the world's top-ranked Australian team.