Kevin Walters has been introduced as the brand new head coach of the Kangaroos forward of this yr’s Ashes collection in England.
Walters takes over from Mal Mengina, who has been appointed because the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears franchise.
Whereas present Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has been prolonged by to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, Walters’ appointment at this stage is for the 2025 Ashes tour.
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It is understood Maroons nice Cameron Smith is viewed as the long-term option for the Australian job after expressing curiosity in working alongside Walters as an assistant.
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler was thought of the front-runner for the job earlier than he pulled out of the race.
Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters will lead the Kangaroos on this yr’s Ashes collection. Getty
Smith was thrown up as a doable possibility however league bosses had been involved by his lack of head teaching expertise at any stage regardless of working as Maroons Origin assistant to Billy Slater in 2022-23.
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett was reportedly keen to tackle the job for a 3rd time, having final coached the Kangaroos in 2005.
The ARLC was going to alter the principles on membership coaches being made out there for the Kangaroos place earlier than they dismissed such a transfer earlier than Origin III.
That paved the way in which for Walters to be named for the primary Ashes collection since 2003.
“The fee may be very happy to verify Kevin Walters because the Kangaroos coach for this historic collection,” ARLC chair Peter V’landys mentioned.
“As Kangaroo quantity 612, Walters may be very effectively positioned to steer the nationwide workforce on a historic tour to the UK.
“Kevin has performed for the Kangaroos, had a profitable teaching profession with Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons, and can convey that experience into the nationwide workforce for the Ashes.
“Kevin has toured with the Kangaroos as a participant, was a pacesetter as a participant and as a coach. His teaching pedigree is a pure match for the nationwide workforce.”
Walters performed 11 Checks for the Kangaroos and was a part of the 1990 and 1994 excursions of Nice Britain and France.
“It’s really an honour and a privilege to have the ability to coach the Kangaroos on such a stage,” Walters mentioned.
“Taking part in on a Kangaroos Tour was at all times a pinnacle as a participant, so to have the ability to lead the very best of the very best on this surroundings may be very humbling and clearly very thrilling.
“This collection will probably be an necessary step for the expansion of worldwide rugby league and for the Kangaroos. I can not wait to get began.”
The appointment marks a comeback to the teaching ranks for Walters, who was sacked by the Broncos in 2024 after taking the membership to the NRL decider the yr earlier than.
Walters additionally coached Queensland in 4 State of Origin collection from 2016-2019, profitable two collection.
Skinner, who led the Jillaroos to a 90-4 win over England in Las Vegas earlier this yr, mentioned the being provided the possibility to remain on as nationwide coach is a “actual honour.”
“I’ve actually loved the possibility to educate at this stage, so to be given the chance to educate the Jillaroos by the 2026 World Cup is extremely thrilling,” she mentioned.
“The ladies’s sport is experiencing continued and important development, so to be a part of the journey at this stage is an actual honour.”
The Ashes Tour will embrace Take a look at matches at Wembley Stadium on October 25, Everton Stadium on November 1 and Headingley on November 8, whereas the Jillaroos will compete for the Pacific Championships in October this yr.
