Cameron Smith responds as NRL considers breaking own rules for Wayne Bennett
Nine's Michael Chammas revealed on '100% Footy' on Monday night that the ARL Commission will meet on Wednesday to vote on the issue, but claimed it was 'unlikely' they would change the rule. If that's the case, then former Kangaroos captain Smith is a massive chance to succeed Mal Meninga, who stepped down as Australia's mentor after being named inaugural coach of the Perth Bears, who will enter the NRL in 2027.
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler was another leading contender but pulled out of the race due to his extensive media commitments with Channel Nine. That leaves Smith and former Maroons and Broncos coach Kevin Walters as the other leading candidates, if Bennett is prevented from taking on the role.
And Smith - who played a whopping 56 Tests for Australia and captained the country on numerous occasions - said the appeal of leading the Aussies for this year's end-of-season Ashes series in England would be incredible. "It's huge, isn't it? I grew up watching Ashes tours where Australia would play Great Britain or England," he said. "I never got to play in one, but that's a huge lure to be a part of such a prestigious and historic tour. It hasn't been done for a long, long time - over 20 years - so it would be great to be a part of."
Despite being touted as one of the favourites for the job though, Smith says he's yet to be given any clarification from league bosses. "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," he added. "I do understand though, it's a wonderful opportunity. It's a great privilege to be able to be the coach of our national side, the Kangaroos. I was lucky enough to play for that team many, many times, so it would be a great privilege."
If Bennett is allowed to take the role, there have been suggestions that Smith could work as an assistant to the master coach for the Ashes, before eventually taking over ahead of next year's Rugby League World Cup. "I haven't put too much thought into it. As it stands right now, the rules are that club coaches can't be involved," Smith said.
"But I'm hearing that they might be discussing that and maybe altering their thoughts on that, which is entirely up to the game and the executives in charge. If that happens, that's great. Wayne Bennett's a wonderful coach. He's probably one of the greatest coaches to ever coach in our game, so if he ends up being the Kangaroos coach, they'll be in good hands."
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Bulldogs supremo and veteran NRL commentator Phil Gould is among those who believes Bennett is perfect for the Kangaroos head coaching role, and doesn't understand the logic behind the current rule that prevents him from doing so. "I can't see why not. I really can't see why not," he said on 100% Footy. "I don't know why it changed back in the old days, they're the best coaches, they're the ones with the best jobs, they're the ones equipped to do it so I can't see why they wouldn't allow it."
Last week, veteran journalist Phil Rothfield predicted NRL bosses would break its own rules and allow Bennett to lead the Kangaroos in more of a 'caretaker' role for the Ashes. According to Rothfield, a full-time coach without ties to an NRL club will be appointed after that.
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