LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) is nearing a decision on the new Kangaroos head coach, with South Sydney Rabbitohs' Wayne Bennett emerging as the frontrunner for the position.
This role became available earlier this year following Mal Meninga's appointment as the first head coach of the Perth Bears, a new team set to begin player recruitment on November 1 for their inaugural 2027 season.
Australia's national team is slated to be in England concurrently with the Ashes series, and a Rugby League World Cup is also on the horizon for 2026.
Initially, it was thought the ARLC aimed to hire a head coach unassociated with any club to commit for at least two years.
However, reports from News Corp indicate Bennett, who has deep ties with the Rabbitohs, is now the primary candidate.
The Rabbitohs are reportedly amenable to allowing Bennett to juggle his club responsibilities with the national team duties during the off-season.
This dual-role arrangement could facilitate Bennett's involvement with the Kangaroos during crucial international fixtures while maintaining his commitment to the Rabbitohs.