NRL powerbrokers have made a big decision regarding who will take over the Kangaroos’ head coaching role, which has handed Kevin Walters the box seat.
According to Code Sports, the ARLC has resisted a change to rules that would allow an NRL coach also hold the Australian job concurrently.
That decision means Wayne Bennett, who was considered the frontrunner to once again coach the Kangaroos, is not eligible for the job, with that decision being made prior to Origin III.
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The super coach was reportedly interested in taking over from Mal Meninga after he left his post to begin life as Perth Bears head coach.
The Kangaroos will feature in a historic Ashes series at the end of the 2025 season, and now Walters is considered the frontrunner to be handed the vacant Australian coaching role.
The 57-year-old was also in contention to coach the Bears and was interviewed by the ARLC, having previously coached the Broncos and Queensland.
With Brisbane, he steered the famous Red Hill club to a grand final appearance in 2023, while also winning two Origin series with the Maroons.
“One of my goals, one of my dreams was to coach Queensland,” Walters said on Triple M.
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“(One was to) coach in the NRL secondly and the third one and probably the biggest goal was to one day maybe coach Australia which was a dream and (I was) not thinking more about it at the time.
“It would be a huge honour to coach Australia.
“I’d certainly like to sit down with people and have a chat about what the situation is and what they are looking for…I’d be very interested in that role.”
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler reportedly turned down a chance to coach the Kangaroos, while Cameron Smith is another contender but his lack of experience is an issue for the ARLC.
