Haddin, who is in Canberra signing copies of his book My Family's Keeper, revealed he was approached to lead the PM's XI for a farewell to cricket.

The Queanbeyan junior will instead join Darren Lehmann as part of Australia's coaching staff as an assistant for the tour of New Zealand in February.

Recently retired Test skipper Michael Clarke is the front-runner to take the PM's XI captaincy duties in Haddin's absence.

The PM's XI will play against Sri Lanka on February 15 in a Twenty20 format for the first time at Manuka Oval.

With Haddin currently in an advisory role for Cricket ACT a permanent move to coaching is on the horizon.

"I put my name forward and was going to captain [the PM's XI] and play, but with the opportunity to go away as one of Darren's assistants to New Zealand, it just won't fit in this time," Haddin said.

"If the right job comes up [I would love to coach], I don't think you put your hand up for any job. If the right one comes up that I can get a difference and leave a mark on it, well I'll put my hand up."

Much was made of Haddin's hard-nosed approach towards "overly-friendly" New Zealand in last year's World Cup.

While this time around he will be on the other side of the fence, one shouldn't expect that to change with Australian coach Lehmann often adopting the same tactic.

Lehmann guided Australia to a five-nil Ashes whitewash and a World Cup victory, two of Haddin's biggest career highlights.

"I really enjoyed his attention to detail in preparing players," Haddin said.

"I like that he let players make mistakes - just don't make them twice with him. I had a really good relationship with him, and still do.

"He plays the game the right way, so from that point of view I really enjoyed my time with him."

Haddin's decision to turn down a PM's XI spot and join the coaching ranks indicates the 39-year-old is preparing to finish his career.

He retired from international cricket last year after Australia won the World Cup and says the upcoming Big Bash League season could be his last.

Haddin will play for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL and says he is "leaning towards it being my last season" in Australia.

"I'm excited about that, to get out with no pressure of any other cricket, just to enjoy the Big Bash," Haddin said.

"I'm excited about the list we've got. I think we were disappointed last year but I think over the last 12 months a few of our guys have really matured into really good cricketers."

The Australian team will start its home ODI series against New Zealand in Sydney on Sunday, before hosting the Blackcaps in the second game of the series at Manuka Oval on Tuesday.

Haddin is confident the Australia team will reclaim the Chappel-Hadlee trophy after a triumphant return to form in the first class arena in Adelaide.

"I think we've got our best team back playing," Haddin said.

"The boys are starting to come into some form, there's a good vibe around the group after the Test match, so I'm excited about it."

A return to the Australian set-up against New Zealand, albeit in a different role, has evoked happy memories of Haddin's sign off from the ODI arena.

"My last game against them was a World Cup final, which is obviously the pinnacle of your career," Haddin said.

"It's going to be a good series, they play good one day cricket. They've got a few new faces in their team also so it'll be interesting to see how they react under pressure at home against us."

Australia remain the top-ranked ODI side in the world leading into the three match series.