LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Wayne Bennett has been effectively barred from becoming the next Kangaroos coach, as the Australian Rugby League Commission insists that the role must go to someone without ties to any NRL team.
This decision creates a competition for the prestigious position between Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith.
Mal Meninga recently stepped down after nine years as Kangaroos coach to take on the role of head coach for the new Perth Bears, who are preparing to enter the NRL competition in 2027.
Meninga had initially hoped to still lead Australia in the upcoming Ashes series against England, but the NRL has stated that his sole focus must be on the Bears.
Despite speculation that Bennett, currently under contract with South Sydney until the end of 2027, would apply for the Kangaroos job, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo confirmed the commission's longstanding policy.
"The commission has a long-held policy that the Kangaroos coach shouldn't be involved in coaching clubs as well, and that policy is going to continue," he stated.
With Meninga's departure now confirmed, the NRL will need to appoint a new Kangaroos coach ahead of the Ashes series later this year.
The commission is now focused on finding the right candidate for the role, which has floated the names of Fittler, Smith, and Kevin Walters as potential front-runners.
Fittler and Smith currently work for Channel 9, which adds an element of awkwardness to their potential candidacies for the national coaching role.