Following Australia’s 3-0 whitewash over England in the Ashes series, the Kangaroos are set to appoint their head coach for the Rugby League World Cup.
Since Mal Meninga’s exit from the role part-way through 2025, the Aussie national team has yet to secure a permanent head coach, though that could be about to change.
Meninga’s departure brought to an end a near-decade long reign at the helm of the nation, and in that time he won two World Cups, a Four Nations and the Pacific Championships.
He will now go on to coach Perth Bears, and it left the Kangaroos looking for a replacement ahead of the first Ashes series to be played in over 20 years.
Former Brisbane Broncos and Catalans Dragons boss Kevin Walters stepped into the role, and couldn’t have performed any better.
Keeping England to just two tries across the three matches, Walters’ Australia side showed their class across the series, and took home the trophy with considerable ease.
His efforts are now set to be rewarded, as the ARLC begin to decide who should lead the nation at this year’s World Cup.
Walters has already put his hand up to continue on with the role, after only being given a three-match contract for last autumn’s series.
Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith is also set to be in the running, with the decision set to be confirmed following the NRL’s trip in Las Vegas at the end of the month.
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Kevin Walters eyes Australia coaching role for Rugby League World Cup
Speaking to the press down under, Walters reaffirmed his intentions to be involved in coaching his country at this year’s tournament.
He said: “I would certainly love to stay in the role and be there for the World Cup.
“It’s a busy time for Peter (V’landys), Vegas is coming up for the NRL, but once that is out of the way, I’ll sit down and we’ll have some talks about things moving forward.
“Coaching Australia at a World Cup would be a huge honour and I’m keen to be on board.
Reflecting on prior coaching jobs, and how he has developed since then, he added: “I think I’m a better coach now from my experiences, you are always learning.
“I feel my big asset as a coach is the connection I build with players and allowing the freedom to play their style of football.
“The guys really responded to that in the Ashes series and I’d love the chance to work with guys like Nathan Cleary, Reece [Walsh] and Cameron [Munster] in a World Cup in Australia.”
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