Mal Meninga has been appointed as Kangaroos coach through to the end of 2019.
One of the most decorated players and coaches of his generation, Meninga officially begins his term with the Kangaroos after a successful stint with the Queensland Maroons which started in 2006. Meninga said it was his personal ambition to become Kangaroos coach. "For the players, it is the ultimate privilege to the wear the colours of your country, and it is something that they all aspire to," Meninga said. "For me, it's always been something I've wanted to do. It is truly an honour to be in this position, as the new coach of the Kangaroos."
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said Meninga would also be based in Sydney and would provide an ambassadorial role for the game, in addition to his coaching role. "Mal's work with us starts today – so it is a very important day for the Kangaroos," Greenberg said. "Our aim is to win the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 and the job officially begins now.
"Mal's reputation as a player and as a coach, and also as a figure in our game, is second-to-none. "We feel that Mal's appointment will ensure that playing for the Kangaroos is the pinnacle of a player's career, which is the way it should be. "The progression of Mal from one of the most successful Queensland coaches ever to the Australian coaching position is an appropriate one for the game. "Playing for the Kangaroos should be the greatest honour a player can have and Mal will no doubt bring that mentality to the squad." Australian captain Cameron Smith said he was excited to see Meninga appointed as Kangaroos coach. "I couldn't think of a coach more suited to this role, given Mal's achievements as a former Kangaroos captain and his understanding of what representing Australia means," Smith said. "He has a proven record at representative level, as well as a tremendous ability to help his players perform at the highest level."
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