Kevin Walters has been announced as the new head coach of the Kangaroos ahead of this year’s Ashes series in England.
Walters takes over from Mal Mengina, who has been appointed as the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears franchise.
While current Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has been extended through to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, Walters’ appointment at this stage is for the 2025 Ashes tour.
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It’s understood Maroons great Cameron Smith is viewed as the long-term option for the Australian job after expressing interest in working alongside Walters as an assistant.
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler was considered the front-runner for the job before he pulled out of the race.
Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters will lead the Kangaroos in this year’s Ashes series. Getty
Smith was thrown up as a possible option but league bosses were concerned by his lack of head coaching experience at any level despite working as Maroons Origin assistant to Billy Slater in 2022-23.
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett was reportedly willing to take on the job for a third time, having last coached the Kangaroos in 2005.
The ARLC was going to change the rules on club coaches being made available for the Kangaroos position before they dismissed such a move before Origin III.
That paved the way for Walters to be named for the first Ashes series since 2003.
“The commission is very pleased to confirm Kevin Walters as the Kangaroos coach for this historic series,” ARLC chair Peter V’landys said.
“As Kangaroo number 612, Walters is very well placed to lead the national team on a historic tour to the UK.
“Kevin has played for the Kangaroos, had a successful coaching career with Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons, and will bring that expertise into the national team for the Ashes.
“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.”
Walters played 11 Tests for the Kangaroos and was part of the 1990 and 1994 tours of Great Britain and France.
“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.”
The appointment marks a comeback to the coaching ranks for Walters, who was sacked by the Broncos in 2024 after taking the club to the NRL decider the year before.
Walters also coached Queensland in four State of Origin series from 2016-2019, winning two series.
Skinner, who led the Jillaroos to a 90-4 win over England in Las Vegas earlier this year, said the being offered the chance to stay on as national coach is a “real honour.”
“I’ve really enjoyed the chance to coach at this level, so to be given the opportunity to coach the Jillaroos through the 2026 World Cup is incredibly exciting,” she said.
“The women’s game is experiencing continued and significant growth, so to be part of the journey at this level is a real honour.”
The Ashes Tour will include Test matches at Wembley Stadium on October 25, Everton Stadium on November 1 and Headingley on November 8, while the Jillaroos will compete for the Pacific Championships in October this year.
