FORMER Canterbury coach Des Hasler has emerged as one of four high profile candidates for the vacant New Zealand Kiwis job.

Hasler, who was sacked by the Bulldogs in unceremonious circumstances following the club’s failed 2017 season, was spotted by NZ media outlet Newshub arriving in Auckland on Tuesday, along with ex-NSW coach Laurie Daley and former Manly mentor Geoff Toovey.

Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire was reportedly interviewed for the job on Monday.

The role became available earlier this month after David Kidwell announced he wouldn’t seek reappointment after the Kiwis’ hugely disappointing World Cup campaign last year where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Fiji.

As a result, a coaching selection panel has been established by the NZRL which is made up of Monty Betham, Frank Endacott, Dean Bell and Waimarama Taumaunu.

With the Kiwis to face England in Denver in June, a decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Toovey recently explained to NRL.com why he’d decided to apply for the job.

“New Zealand is a country full of terrific athletes and there are quite a few of them [that] are rugby league players,” Toovey said.

“So the multitude of talent there alone would be exciting to be a part of that.

“Whenever you’ve got a group of talented people striving to be the best, as a coach you want to be among that.

“I also think the Kiwis have underachieved as far as their potential goes.”