Kevin Walters named Australia Kangaroos rugby league coach
Photo:
Photosport
Kevin Walters has been announced as the new head coach of the Australia Kangaroos for this year's Ashes series in England.
Walters, a former premiership player with the Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders, takes over from Mal Mengina, who has been appointed as the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears franchise.
Current Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has been extended through the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, but the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) only said Walters had been appointed coach for the 2025 Ashes tour.
"The commission is very pleased to confirm Kevin Walters as the Kangaroos coach for this historic series," ARLC chair Peter V'landys said.
"As Kangaroo number 612, Walters is very well placed to lead the national team on a historic tour to the UK.
"Kevin has played for the Kangaroos, had a successful coaching career with Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons, and will bring that expertise into the national team for the Ashes.
"Kevin has toured with the Kangaroos as a player, was a leader as a player and as a coach. His coaching pedigree is a natural fit for the national team."
Walters played 11 Tests for the Kangaroos and was part of the 1990 and 1994 tours of Great Britain and France.
"It is truly an honour and a privilege to be able to coach the Kangaroos on such a stage," Walters said.
"Playing on a Kangaroos Tour was always a pinnacle as a player, so to be able to lead the best of the best in this environment is very humbling and obviously very exciting.
"This series will be an important step for the growth of international rugby league and for the Kangaroos. I can't wait to get started."
Walters was the coach of the Broncos from 2021 to 2024, leading the club to a grand final appearance in 2023 before being sacked the following year as the side slumped to 12th with a 10-14 win-loss record.
Walters also coached Queensland in four State of Origin series from 2016-2019, winning two series.
The Jillaroos travelled to Las Vegas in March and beat England 90-4 in their only match under Skinner, who took over from Brad Donald after a successful but turbulent tenure with the national women's team.
"I've really enjoyed the chance to coach at this level, so to be given the opportunity to coach the Jillaroos through the 2026 World Cup is incredibly exciting," she said.
"The women's game is experiencing continued and significant growth, so to be part of the journey at this level is a real honour."
-ABC
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