AFP/Sydney


Australia yesterday appointed the hugely experienced Mal Meninga as coach of the Kangaroos with a brief to win the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.
The former Queensland State of Origin coach takes over on a four-year deal from Tim Sheens, who resigned in October to become full-time director of rugby with Salford in England’s Super League. “Mal’s work with us starts today—so it is a very important day for the Kangaroos,” National Rugby League head of football Todd Greenberg said.
“Our aim is to win the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 and the job officially begins now.”
The decorated Meninga, who had been at the helm of the Maroons since 2006 and boasts nine Origin series victories over New South Wales from 10 attempts, said it had long been a personal ambition to become Kangaroos coach.
“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,” said Meninga.
“I want to bring the Australian team back up to the number one spot and there’s a lot of things we need to do,” he added.
“We need to inspire players to put on the Kangaroos jersey. We need to build a programme where they want to play in it as well.”
Australia won six straight World Cups between 1975 and 2000 with Meninga at the heart of the action during the most dominant reign of any nation in rugby league history.
His appointment was made with the support of current Queensland and Australian captain Cameron Smith. “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.