ARLC unveil Kevin Walters as new Kangaroos coach, Cameron Smith not given opportunity to present
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.
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"One thing about the Australian rugby league team is that there's great talent. We know that," Walters said. "So if some players elect to play for Pasifika nations or whatever nation, we've got plenty of depth here in Australia. Obviously we want the best players available. "It's been a terrific State of Origin series with great talent on show from both states, so I'm sure we'll get a very strong 22 to take on the English in October and November." Walters was quizzed on whether he was up for the challenge of dealing with the selection issues ahead. "Yes, certainly ... myself and who else selects the team," he replied. "That's our job, to get the best 22 players available after the grand final and pick those guys and head over to England and get the job done for Australia."
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