LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Kevin Walters has announced that Cameron Smith will not join his coaching staff for the upcoming Ashes tour in England with the Kangaroos. Smith has decided to prioritize his family and media commitments over the coaching opportunity. Despite speculation that he might take on an assistant role after Mal Meninga's departure, Walters confirmed this weekend that it won't happen.
"I don't think Cameron will be involved," Walters told News Corp. "It's just not the right time for him to be involved. We'll let him do what he needs to do with his commentary and family and we'll get on with the tour."
He remarked on the process of finalizing the support staff, indicating there is still contemplation around the team structure with potential candidates like Justin Holbrook and Trent Barrett in discussion.
Last month, Smith expressed the need to consider his young family's needs alongside his role with Channel 9 when contemplating a move into coaching. "I love my role with the commentary team at the moment, I've got three young kids as well, I'm up in Bundaberg watching my eldest play netball (tonight)," he said on Channel 9. "But it's a wonderful opportunity to be able to coach the country. I was lucky enough to play for Kangaroos many, many times. To be able to coach such a wonderful team full of wonderful footballers would be a great opportunity."
Smith also noted his understanding of Brad Fittler's decision to withdraw from the coaching role, highlighting that Fittler, who also has a position with Channel 9, has enjoyed his current role more since stepping down as Blues coach.