New Kiwis assistant coach Ivan Cleary believes New Zealand have the potential to defend their rugby league World Cup crown.

Former Warriors coach and current Panthers mentor Cleary will assist coach Stephen Kearney at the tournament in October and November when New Zealand seek to repeat their 2008 title-winning performance. His contract ends after the tournament.

Cleary was swayed by his affinity with New Zealand and the talent shown by the Kiwis against the Kangaroos in Canberra in April, despite a 32-12 loss in the Anzac Test.

“I thought ‘these guys can win the World Cup’. So I was very humbled when I was approached about a role with the team,” he said.

“I took a couple of days on the decision, but the challenge was too good to refuse.”

Former Warriors fullback Cleary, 42, ended a six-year coaching stint at the New Zealand club in 2011, taking over at the Panthers last year.

However, he says he has kept close ties with the New Zealand rugby league fraternity.

“Half my adult life was in New Zealand and we brought the kids up there. I enjoy the culture and have a history with a few of the Kiwi players.”

Kearney says Cleary will be a natural fit at the Kiwis.

“Ivan understands our culture and is respected by the players,” he said.

“He is experienced as a coach and, importantly, he’s match-fit. Those he has worked with closely have a lot of confidence in him.”

Kearney will hope history can repeat, having secured the services of Australian coaching great coach Wayne Bennett as an assistant at the 2008 World Cup, where they beat Australia 34-20 in the final in Brisbane.

It was also confirmed on Tuesday that former Kiwis wing Tony Iro, who was an assistant coach to Cleary at the Warriors, will be New Zealand’s manager at the World Cup.