New Zealand are standing by their beleaguered coach Gary Kemble in the face of withering criticism from two of the country's most senior players.

NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden said Kemble's position as Kiwi coach remained unchanged after a board meeting in Auckland.

Former Hull full-back Kemble missed the meeting because he has been in Sydney meeting players in the wake of public criticism from captain Roy Asotasi and veteran forward David Kidwell.

They said the players had no confidence in Kemble, whose first match in charge resulted in a 58-0 thrashing by Australia and who went on oversee a 3-0 whitewash by Great Britain, and threatened a revolt.

"We discussed the situation in and around the coaching position but, as Gary was in Sydney, there is nothing new we can add on this issue," said Haffenden.

"We will meet with Gary early next week to find out what information he has been able to gather after this week's events."

Asotasi was earlier this week reprimanded for his comments but Haffenden said the board did not discuss whether any further action would be taken against him and Kidwell.

The NZRL board are thought to have scrapped the residency rule that means the national coach must reside in New Zealand, which will pave the way for the appointment of former Australia coach Wayne Bennett as a "mentor" to Kemble ahead of this year's World Cup.

Asotasi called for the appointment of Bennett, who coached the All Golds in the centenary international against the Northern Union at Warrington last October.

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