Sydney: Kevin Walters says he "can't wait to get started" after being named Australia's head coach for their autumn series against England. The former Brisbane Broncos head coach, who led Queensland through four State of Origin series, has been given a three-match deal to lead the men's team for the Ashes encounters. Walters, 57, replaces Mal Meninga, who left in June after the announcement that he would be taking charge of new NRL club Perth Bears.
According to BBC, Walters was part of the Kangaroos squad that toured Great Britain in 1990 and 1994, although he only played in Tests on the latter tour. Walters expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "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." Walters had a brief tenure at Super League side Warrington in 2001 and coached Catalans Dragons from 2009-10.
Meninga's decision to take up the role with Perth Bears forced him to step down in June, as ARLC rules prevent the national team head coach from holding a club job simultaneously. Former Australia captain Brad Fittler, a three-time World Cup winner, had been the favorite for the post until ruling himself out due to media commitments. Cameron Smith, another ex-Kangaroos captain, was also a contender.
ARLC chairman Peter Vlandys commented, "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." Australia's preparations can now begin in earnest with the appointment of Walters, who understands representative football from both the player and coach perspectives.
Like his predecessor Meninga, Walters was a decorated Kangaroos tourist in a career where he collected Australian Premiership titles. Walters can appreciate the need to create bonds and experiences beyond the training paddock and pitch, those differences that make a Kangaroo tour such a special experience.
Walters also matches Meninga's experience by having coached Queensland's State of Origin side, providing him with the experience of forging a game plan and instilling togetherness quickly in a representative team. Coaching elite players in short bursts on a tour requires a different approach, and Walters has the ability to create an atmosphere that taps into the outstanding talent at his disposal.
Unlike other candidates linked with the role, such as Cameron Smith and Brad Fittler, Walters can back up his representative roles with considerable NRL experience. Although his last stint at the Broncos ended after a slump in form, a year earlier, they were in a Grand Final. Walters is enthusiastic and understands the pride in wearing the green and gold.
His toughest task might be persuading some of the Origin players who qualify for dual nationality, such as Hamiso Tabuai Fidow and Payne Haas, to side with the new-look Roos rather than their family heritage. Such defections would be a loss, but with players like Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Patrick Carrigan, and Cameron Munster, there are plenty ready to answer the call this autumn.