Latest news with #ARLC
Courier-Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
NRL news, updates: Kevin Walters' Kangaroos appointment torn to shreds as contract detail says it all, Cameron Smith, Wayne Bennett, Brad Fittler
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. After being unveiled as the new Kangaroos coach, Kevin Walters has a big task ahead of him; first to convince a trio of stars to stay loyal and then potentially an even tougher battle in keeping his job. Earlier this week, Walters was appointed by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to replace Mal Meninga as Australia's next coach on a short term deal. The three-game contract that covers the upcoming Ashes series against England at the end of this year suggests even the ARLC aren't confident he is the right man for the job. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. But first cab off the rank is to try and hold onto several Aussie stars. On Wednesday, six-time Kangaroo representative Greg Alexander raised genuine concerns over whether Walters is the man to convince the likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to stay loyal to the green and gold instead of switching to Toa Samoa for the Pacific Championships. 'What if he can't get them on the plane?' Alexander asked Corey Parker on SEN. 'Just think about how many (Australian) players didn't play in the Pacific Championships last year, how many went 'I need a little bit of surgery' instead? 'The squad might be scattered with some of the best players, but Kev might be taking two or three down the list to fill other spots.' Kevin Walters has been named the next coach of the Kangaroos but faces a tough task ahead of him. Image: Getty Parker agreed. 'I know there are more than capable props, but if you pull Payne Haas and big Tino out of the front row, they're two of the leading props in the entire game,' Parker said. 'We also know Mitch Barnett is gone for the rest of the season with an ACL, Val Holmes is gone, and Latrell Mitchell is leaning against it (selection) given his injury situation. 'There's going to be a lot of players unavailable, which makes the task even more challenging for Kevvie.' Walters is understood not to have been the first choice for the Australian job either, with Brad Fittler turning the role down. He also wasn't the second choice with Wayne Bennett reportedly preferred to Walters, but the current coaching rules didn't allow it. Brad Fittler turned down the chance to become Kangaroos coach. (Photo by) Because Wayne Bennett is an active NRL coach he was ineligible to lead the Kangaroos. (Photo by) And veteran journalist Andrew Webster suggested on the Off The Record Podcast that the appointment of Walters on a three-game deal again adds to the notion that the Australian team is no longer the superpower they once were, and therefore it is no surprise that several stars are considering defecting. 'Kevin Walters is basically the last man standing. The fact they have only given him three games shows their lack of faith,' Webster said. 'It could be a very tough tour (with stars such as Hammer, Payne and Tino potentially not there). That's why I wish they made a better decision with the coach.' 'Hammer, Payne and Tino. … The Kangaroos used to be like the Harlem Globetrotters. But it's a different time now, and they are no longer the superpower that they were, and that's something Kevvie will have to deal with.' The ARLC handed Walters only a three-game deal, which will just cover the upcoming UK Tour. But the short-term deal suggests not even they are confident the Queenslander is the right man for the job. Cameron Smith is reportedly seen as the long-term Kangaroos coach. Picture: Jonathan Ng And Nine journalist Michael Chammas revealed talks with Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith about a possible transition into the Kangaroos head coach role are already underway. Smith's link to the Kangaroos' top job would further explain Walters' short term appointment. 'My understanding is Peter V'landys spoke to Cameron Smith a few days ago and told him we're going to go with Kevvie,' Chammas said on The Journos podcast. 'When Peter V'landys spoke to Cameron Smith, he brought up the assistant coach's role and said he would like to transition him into the head coach down the track as early as the 2027 World Cup. 'The three-match contract tells me that they're not completely sold that Kevvie is the right man, and in the end, there weren't many people that fit his criteria.' The Kangaroos are scheduled to leave for the UK just two weeks after the NRL grand final on October 5. Originally published as Kevin Walters' Kangaroos appointment torn to shreds as contract detail says it all
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Kevin Walters' Kangaroos appointment torn to shreds as contract detail says it all
After being unveiled as the new Kangaroos coach, Kevin Walters has a big task ahead of him; first to convince a trio of stars to stay loyal and then potentially an even tougher battle in keeping his job. Earlier this week, Walters was appointed by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to replace Mal Meninga as Australia's next coach on a short term deal. The three-game contract that covers the upcoming Ashes series against England at the end of this year suggests even the ARLC aren't confident he is the right man for the job. But first cab off the rank is to try and hold onto several Aussie stars. On Wednesday, six-time Kangaroo representative Greg Alexander raised genuine concerns over whether Walters is the man to convince the likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to stay loyal to the green and gold instead of switching to Toa Samoa for the Pacific Championships. 'What if he can't get them on the plane?' Alexander asked Corey Parker on SEN. 'Just think about how many (Australian) players didn't play in the Pacific Championships last year, how many went 'I need a little bit of surgery' instead? 'The squad might be scattered with some of the best players, but Kev might be taking two or three down the list to fill other spots.' Parker agreed. 'I know there are more than capable props, but if you pull Payne Haas and big Tino out of the front row, they're two of the leading props in the entire game,' Parker said. 'We also know Mitch Barnett is gone for the rest of the season with an ACL, Val Holmes is gone, and Latrell Mitchell is leaning against it (selection) given his injury situation. 'There's going to be a lot of players unavailable, which makes the task even more challenging for Kevvie.' Walters is understood not to have been the first choice for the Australian job either, with Brad Fittler turning the role down. He also wasn't the second choice with Wayne Bennett reportedly preferred to Walters, but the current coaching rules didn't allow it. And veteran journalist Andrew Webster suggested on the Off The Record Podcast that the appointment of Walters on a three-game deal again adds to the notion that the Australian team is no longer the superpower they once were, and therefore it is no surprise that several stars are considering defecting. 'Kevin Walters is basically the last man standing. The fact they have only given him three games shows their lack of faith,' Webster said. 'It could be a very tough tour (with stars such as Hammer, Payne and Tino potentially not there). That's why I wish they made a better decision with the coach.' 'Hammer, Payne and Tino. … The Kangaroos used to be like the Harlem Globetrotters. But it's a different time now, and they are no longer the superpower that they were, and that's something Kevvie will have to deal with.' The ARLC handed Walters only a three-game deal, which will just cover the upcoming UK Tour. But the short-term deal suggests not even they are confident the Queenslander is the right man for the job. And Nine journalist Michael Chammas revealed talks with Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith about a possible transition into the Kangaroos head coach role are already underway. Smith's link to the Kangaroos' top job would further explain Walters' short term appointment. 'My understanding is Peter V'landys spoke to Cameron Smith a few days ago and told him we're going to go with Kevvie,' Chammas said on The Journos podcast. 'When Peter V'landys spoke to Cameron Smith, he brought up the assistant coach's role and said he would like to transition him into the head coach down the track as early as the 2027 World Cup. 'The three-match contract tells me that they're not completely sold that Kevvie is the right man, and in the end, there weren't many people that fit his criteria.'
RNZ News
23-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Kevin Walters named Australia Kangaroos rugby league coach
Kevin Walters. 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
7NEWS
22-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
ARLC unveil Kevin Walters as new Kangaroos coach, Cameron Smith not given opportunity to present
Kevin Walters won a World Cup final for Australia with a famous pass as a player and now he gets to coach the Kangaroos on the three-Test tour of England. Walters has been confirmed by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) as the new Australia coach for the tour of England, edging out NRL legend Cameron Smith for the job — but challenges already loom on the horizon. The 57-year-old replaces new Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga with doubt hanging over whether he will have key trio Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on board for the first three-Test Kangaroo tour in 22 years. The three are considering pledging their allegiance to Samoa for the upcoming Pacific Cup. Walters coached Queensland to two State of Origin series wins out of four and was at the helm of Brisbane when they reached the 2023 grand final before being sacked at the end of the following year. His contract with the ARLC is just for the three Tests at the end of season but if successful there is a strong chance he would be retained for next year's World Cup to be hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea. '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.' Former NSW coach Brad Fittler turned down the opportunity to replace Meninga while former Kangaroos coach and current South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett was ruled out of contention by the Commission due to his club responsibilities. Former Australia captain Smith told Nine on Monday night that despite being interested in the coaching role, he was not given the opportunity to present his case. He did receive notification from ARLC chairman Peter V'landys that Walters had got the job. 'He gave me a phone call to let me know the decision was made to go with Kev and that was about it,' Smith said. 'I'm happy with that decision, I respect that decision. 'If I had an opportunity to put my case forward I would've but the decision was made by the game's hierarchy to go with Kevvie and I think it's a great appointment.' During the conversation Smith said V'landys spoke about a possible assistant role. 'That could be something to look at but I've not had any further discussions with Peter or Andrew Abdo or anyone in the NRL about that,' he said. Walters played 12 Tests for Australia and was a hero of the 1992 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium. The Kangaroos were trailing 6-4 when Walters came off the bench to throw a classic 'out ball' to his Brisbane teammate Steve Renouf who scored the match winner in 10-6 win. Walters was a proven winner as player on his way to six premierships (five with Brisbane, one with Canberra) and 20 State of Origin games for Queensland.
News.com.au
22-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Kevin Walters will coach the Kangaroos in three matches against England after replacing Mal Meninga
Former Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters called it an ' honour and a privilege' after being handed the reins of the Australian team for this year's three-test tour of England. Walters replaced Mal Meninga, who quit the post to take charge of the NRL's new Perth franchise and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys said he was 'well placed' to deliver a series win. Having played 11 Test matches for the Kangaroos and been part of the 1990 and 1994 Kangaroo Tours, Walters has three matches to press his claims to take on the gig full-time. '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,' he said. '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.' He was chosen ahead of Storm and Queensland legend Cameron Smith, who could yet assume full-time duties in 2026 should the ARLC decide on a change after the Ashes. ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM said he was pleased to confirm two highly-respected and talented people to guide the Australian national teams. 'The Commission is very pleased to confirm Kevin Walters as the Kangaroos coach for this historic series,' Mr 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. The ARLC also extended the tenure of current Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner through the 2026 World Cup. 'Jess Skinner had significant success in her first outing as Jillaroos coach in Las Vegas earlier this year,' V'Landys said. . 'Jess has progressed through the coaching pathways and is a fantastic choice to lead Australia's most prolific national women's team until the end of the World Cup.' The Ashes Tour will include Test matches at Wembley Stadium (October 25), Everton Stadium (November 1) and Headingley (November 8), while the Jillaroos will compete for the Pacific Championships in October this year.
