Mal Meninga is in the hotseat to replace Ricky Stuart as Kangaroos coach. The drama that confronts Meninga, however, involves the legendary centre giving up his cherished Queensland coaching position in order to lead his country for the first time in his illustrious career.
The decision in any code would be a no brainier. The pinnacle of coaching involves taking charge of the national team and leading them to unparalleled glory.
If Meninga was offered to coach Australia, he should take it without hesitation.
But something is holding him back – his allegiance to the Maroons in State of Origin football.
Meninga has won three consecutive series with Queensland and the QRL are offering a juicy three year extension to his current deal.
It seems the man with the most Test and Origin caps next to his name faces an agonising decision, which involves Meninga giving up his Origin coaching position to manage the Kangaroos.
Why should it even be a difficult decision in the first place?
Leading a nation in any sport is a tremendous honour for any coach, whether it be a former player or a brilliant tactician.
The aura of success that comes with coaching the premier side in rugby league really should lure Meninga to the position of Australian head coach.
It seems, however, that Origin is once again in the way in terms of Meninga’s possible Kangaroos appointment.
He now finds himself in a position where his allegiance is divided for both State and country.
Yes, Origin is a great spectacle and is probably rugby league’s most competitive rivalry.
But surely choosing State over country is taking it a bit far, especially for a man who was elected as one of the two best starting centres in Kangaroos history with his inclusion in the greatest Australian side ever named.
Although there is plenty of history, pride and passion in Origin football, Meninga of all people should know that playing for your country, let alone coaching them is the pinnacle for any player or manager for that matter.
Even though NSW Origin legend Benny Elias claims Meninga would be biased towards Blues players if selected as Kangaroos coach, Terry Fearnley did the same in 1985, meaning Meninga should know the negative effects if he were to take such an approach.
Not that one thinks he will.
Meninga should be the Kangaroos next coach.
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