Walters to coach Australia for England series

After being appointed Australia’s head coach for their autumn series against England, Kevin Walters says he “can’t wait to get started.”

The former Brisbane Broncos head coach, who guided Queensland through four State of Origin games, has been given a three-game contract to lead the men’s team in the Ashes matches.

Mal Meninga, 57, took Mal’s place in June after he was revealed as the new NRL team’s manager, the Perth Bears.

With all three games being broadcast live in the UK by the BBC, Australia’s men take on England at Wembley on October 25; Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1; and AMT Headingley on November 8. Everton and Headingley’s Tests are already sold out.

“To be able to coach the Kangaroos on such a stage is truly an honor and a privilege,” Walters said.

Although he only participated in Tests on the latter tour, he was a member of the Kangaroos’ 1990 and 1994 tour.

Being able to lead the best of the best in this environment is very humbling and obviously very exciting, said Walters, who previously served as the manager of Catalans Dragons from 2009 to 2010 and who has a short stint at Super League side Warrington.

“This series will be crucial for the development of the Kangaroos and the international rugby league.” I’m eager to begin.

Due to ARLC regulations, Meninga was forced to resign in June after agreeing to the position with the Perth Bears.

Former Australia captain Brad Fittler, a three-time World Cup champion, had previously been the candidate until he opted to withdraw due to media obligations. Another former Kangaroos captain, Cameron Smith, also made the list.

With the appointment of Kevin Walters, who understands representative football both from the perspective of a player and as a coach, Australia’s preparations can now begin in earnest.

Walters was a decorated Kangaroos tourist who later collected Australian Premiership titles like some collectors do.

Therefore, Walters understands the value of developing bonds and experiences beyond the training paddock and pitch, which are what distinguish a Kangaroo tour, even without the club games in these days, is so unique.

He also coached Queensland’s State of Origin side, which matches Meninga’s resume. That will have given him the opportunity to quickly forge a game plan and instill team unity in a representative team, a completely different setup from the day-in-day-out club game.

A different approach is required when coaching elite players for a short period of time on a tour. You’re attempting to create an environment that utilizes the outstanding talent at your disposal rather than developing fundamental skills. Walters is capable of doing that.

Walters can also support his rep roles with extensive NRL experience as a boss, unlike other names who were associated with the role, such as Cameron Smith, who was untried as a head coach and Brad Fittler, who had a few seasons at the Roosters.

His previous stint with the Broncos may have come to an end due to a form slump, but they had reached the Grand Final a year earlier.

Walters is enthusiastic, perhaps most important. He recognizes the significance of the green and gold.

His most challenging task might be convincing some of those Origin players who qualify for dual citizenship, such as Hamiso Tabuai Fidow and Payne Haas, to support the new-look Roos over their family history.