Iro had a previous spell as assistant with the Kiwis

Former Wigan winger Tony Iro has been appointed as New Zealand's assistant coach following Wayne Bennett's decision to step down from the post.

The 41-year-old, a coach at NRL side New Zealand Warriors, will work alongside head coach Stephen Kearney with the World Cup winners.

Bennett has stood down in order to concentrate on his new role with St George Illawarra Dragons.

"It's an exciting time to be a part of the New Zealand team," said Iro.

"Stephen has shown what a great coach he is already but, like him, I want to see New Zealand perform consistently well against Australia."

Bennett, a coaching legend in Australia after his hugely successful time in charge of Brisbane Broncos, played a key role in the Kiwis' first World Cup triumph.

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"Wayne said one of his objectives was to assist us in winning the World Cup," said New Zealand Rugby League chairman Ray Haffenden.

"He has achieved that and he said he was very grateful he had the opportunity to be involved. His focus now is on coaching the Dragons and that will take up all his time.

"We're thrilled to have someone of Tony's calibre coming on board and we're especially thankful to the Warriors for their support in making this possible."

Iro made 50 appearances for Wigan from 1988-89 and also had a brief spell with Leigh.

He has had a previous spell as the Kiwis' assistant coach in 2006-7 and has also coached New Zealand A.

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