LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Cameron Smith has expressed his desire to coach the Kangaroos, considering it a "prestigious" honor, amidst increasing calls for veteran coach Wayne Bennett to step into the role.
To facilitate this, the NRL would need to amend a rule that currently prohibits club coaches from leading the national team.
Reports from Nine's Michael Chammas on '100% Footy' indicate that the ARL Commission will discuss this issue, but changes to the rule are deemed "unlikely."
With Mal Meninga stepping down to coach the Perth Bears in 2027, Smith is positioned as a strong candidate, along with former Queensland coach Kevin Walters.
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler was also in the running but has withdrawn due to commitments with Channel Nine.
Smith, who has played 56 Tests for Australia and captained the team, is particularly interested in leading the Kangaroos during the upcoming end-of-season Ashes series in England, a prestigious event he never had the opportunity to participate in as a player.
Smith remarked, "It's huge, isn't it? I grew up watching Ashes tours where Australia would play Great Britain or England...
that's a huge lure to be a part of such a prestigious and historic tour." He noted that it has been over 20 years since the last such tour, making it a significant opportunity.
Despite speculation about his potential appointment, Smith has yet to receive any official communication regarding the coaching role, stating, "I haven't spoken to anyone about the role as yet.
I'm aware that my name has been tossed up as a potential coach...It's a great privilege to be able to be the coach of the national side, the Kangaroos."
If Bennett is permitted to take on the coaching position, there are suggestions that Smith might serve as an assistant for the Ashes series, with the possibility of ultimately succeeding Bennett before the Rugby League World Cup next year.
However, Smith remains grounded about the situation: "I haven't put too much thought into it.
As it stands right now, the rules are that club coaches can't be involved."