LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Wayne Bennett, head coach of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, is poised to enter the competition to succeed Mal Meninga as coach of the Kangaroos.
Reports from zerotackle.com indicate that the NRL and Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) may remove Meninga if he secures the coaching position for the Perth Bears, who will join the NRL in 2027.
Meninga, who previously coached the Canberra Raiders from 1997 to 2001 and the Queensland Maroons from 2006 to 2015, has led the Australian side since 2006, achieving 25 wins in 28 Tests.
However, the NRL and ARLC are hesitant to allow Meninga to continue in his role if it interferes with his commitments to the Bears, as they will begin signing players on November 1 this year.
Notably, the Kangaroos will be in England when this date arrives for the rugby league Ashes, which could distract from the Bears' inaugural signing window.
Moreover, the NRL and ARLC are keen on appointing a coach who can guide Australia through the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, set to be hosted in Australia.
As the coaching landscape evolves, the potential shift in leadership for the Kangaroos could impact the future of Australian rugby league, with emphasis on continuity and preparation for upcoming international competitions.