Tigers are fourth in the table, 11 games into their 18-match Premiership campaign, and will face Glasgow Warriors in the Round of 16 of the European Champions Cup.
Kidwell, a rugby league World Cup-winning player with New Zealand in 2008 who went on to coach the national side between 2016 and 2018, had a spell playing the 13-man game in England with Super League side Warrington Wolves.
That stint came early in his career and before be collected a National Rugby League title with Sydney Roosters in 2002.
He got to another NRL Grand Final with Melbourne Storm later in his career, but it was not until he moved into coaching that he helped the Victorian club to the Australian crown.
Chieka says Kidwell will bring “a unique perspective” and “offer a valuable, new point of view” for the remainder of the season.
“Having worked with him before, I know what positives he will bring into our environment and that extends beyond just the players to the coaches and staff with the experience and knowledge he can pass on to them to help us improve,” Cheika said.
“David was a tough player, successful player and both of those mindsets are going to be important for us.”
