Cameron Smith lifts lid on potential role alongside Kevin Walters after losing out

Yahoo

6 days ago

NRL legend Cameron Smith has revealed he could be open to an assistant role for the Australian national side after losing out on the top job to Kevin Walters. The Kangaroos are soon to name a coach to lead the nation against England in a three-match Ashes series taking place the first time since 2003. The first Test against England gets underway at London's Wembley Stadium on October 25.
This week it emerged Walters is to be confirmed for the role with the incoming coach winning the position over Melbourne Storm and Queensland great Smith. NRL legend Brad Fittler was considered a favourite for the role, but withdrew from the race due to his media commitments with Channel Nine.
And Smith has revealed on 100% Footy he received a phone call from Peter V'Landys telling him Walters had got the job. "I think Kev will do a great job, I was luckily enough to be coached by Kev...I think he will do a really good job," Smith said on Monday night.
"I had a phone call from Peter V'Landys a couple of days ago. There was no formal discussion around me being the coach. There was no interview...he gave me a phone call just to let me know that the decision was made they are going to go with Kev. I am happy with that decision, I respect that decision. If I had a chance to put my case forward, I would have...I think it's a great appointment."
Smith is considered one of the best minds in the NRL, but one of the factors that appeared to work against him is he has no experience as a head coach. He previously worked as an assistant to Billy Slater with the Queensland State of Origin team. His knowledge of the game and experience as the Kangaroos captain is what led him to being an attractive candidate for the role.
And Smith revealed an assistant role was brought mentioned in the phone call. "Well that was mentioned in the phone call. That could be possibly something to look at...but I haven't had any further discussions with Peter, with Andrew Abdo or anyone in the NRL about that," Smith added.
While Smith revealed an assistant coaching role was a potential avenue back into the fold, it would most likely be up to Walters on who serves on his team. Regardless, Smith was thrilled with Walters' appointment, even if it was on a reported short deal.
Kevin Walters preferred to Cameron Smith for Kangaroos job
The former Broncos coach has won two State of Origin series in charge of the Maroons and led Brisbane to the 2023 NRL grand final, before being replaced by Michael Maguire after a poor season last year. News Corp reports that Walters has won the race to replace Mal Meninga as Australia's next coach, but only on a three-game deal that will see him lead the Kangaroos in the end of year Ashes series against England.
If the Kangaroos enjoy a winning three-Test series against England and play some attractive footy in their first Ashes tour in 22 years, there's every chance Walters keeps the job for the home World Cup next year. The concern for some in the rugby league community is Australia is a few months out from the resurrected Ashes series with England that starts in October and there has no been no formal announcement of a coach.
While an announcement is imminent, selection and plans need to be laid out for the historic series. Australia and England have not taken part in an Ashes-style series in 20 years. The Kangaroos have won a record 13 consecutive Ashes series.