With Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga set to vacate the Australian head coaching position, a surprise candidate has emerged to take over the role.
Code Sports are reporting the Rabbitohs won’t stand in Wayne Bennett’s way should he wish to take over from Meninga and coach both the Kangaroos and South Sydney simultaneously.
Meninga will reportedly make a final decision regarding whether he takes up the Perth Bears head coach role in the coming days ahead of their NRL entry in 2027.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
The NRL are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with the former Maroons boss, hoping to lock down his support staff before any announcement is made.
Alongside Bennett, Cam Smith, Brad Fittler and Kevin Walters have all been linked with the job.
However, the master coach could be in line to return to the Kangaroos job after indicating he is open to taking the role for a third time.
He coached the Australian side in 1998 before returning between 2004 and 2005, winning 13 of his 17 games in charge.
There’s also no bigger name in rugby league coaching than Bennett, who would undoubtedly garner further interest in the international game.
Flanno praises veteran front rower | 03:14
MORE ORIGIN NEWS
‘LOST TO SCHEDULE’: O’Brien fumes at NRL draw as Ponga scratched from Knights
HITS: Enforcer stuns with first try as woeful Knights routed in Dragons turning point
‘OH BOY’: Knights enforcer in hot water over crusher tackle on Dragons star
Meninga confirmed he was in discussions to be named the Bears’ head coach.
“We are having conversations but nothing has eventuated yet,” Meninga said on Jimmy Smith’s show on SEN.
“It is something I would love to do. There are a few things going to Perth and family is one of those things … Where I have come from and where I am today it would be a great to fulfil a passion and fulfil a legacy piece.
“I am interested. They want to make an appointment sooner rather than later.”
