Mal Meninga’s record-breaking reign as Queensland mentor is set to end after he was offered the Kangaroos coaching job.
Meninga has made no secret of his interest in coaching Australia after the long-serving Tim Sheens left his post earlier this year to take up a position with Super League outfit Salford.
Meninga has agreed to coach the Maroons, who he has led to victory in nine of the past 10 State of Origin series, for the next three seasons.
But chairman Peter Betros said the QRL wouldn’t prevent the former international from moving into the Australian set-up.
“He’s been offered the Kangaroos job,” Betros told News Corp.
“He’s agreed to coach the Maroons for another three years but we won’t stand in his way if he wants to take the Kangaroos job.”
Betros said a decision from Meninga was likely on Monday.
Sheens last coached Australia in their 26-12 loss to New Zealand in the Anzac Test in May.
Michael Hagan, who was released from his role as coaching director with Newcastle earlier this week, is one possible successor to Meninga at the Maroons.
Hagan coached Queensland before Meninga in 2004 and 2005, winning two of six matches and losing both series.
Meninga has won 20 of the 30 games he has coached at Origin level since 2006.
Joel Rigby
Guest
Cecil, I can hear their blood boiling all the way up here in Cairns, lol @ the big Mal getting the Australia coaching position, must be a few dead bodies in NSW haha ... lovin it! Cowboys premiers! yeeeeehahhh! I don't see what the problem is with the big Mal coaching QLD and AUS at the same time? Pay him 400,000.00 a year split 200 thou each, he deserves it the bloody legend! Thurston 3 Golden Boots 4 Dally M Player of the year 4 Dally M Halfback of the year 3 Dally M 5/8 of the year 1 Dally M Captain 2 Proven Summons 1 Clive Churchill 33 Origin consecutive matches 200 Origin points
Maroon Blood
Guest
Wow, Mal says a one liner in the heat of the moment 20 years ago, that wasn't that bad if you knew the whole context, and there are still keyboard warriors wanting to beat him up about it. Seriously? I think he will be terrific just as long as he doesn't become blinkered in selecting pet players like his predecessor *cough* Farah *cough*. Not as easy a gig as it used to be with the Kiwis number one, the Poms improving heaps and an impending changing of the guard approaching in the Kangaroo ranks due to Smith, Slater, JT, Gallen, etc approaching their League twilight years. The down side is that he will have the NSW media ready to jump all over him should the Kangaroos lose a game or two. Should be used to that stuff by now.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Let them take Turkey. I'd rather watch Canberra v Parramatta than see a free Turkey
Waley
Guest
Wait if Putin declares war on Turkey and world war 3 starts does that mean there might not be any rugby league?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Wait. If Michael Hagan is going to coach Queensland does that mean he won't be able to follow Mal to the Roos job and coach from assistant there?
Cecil
Guest
Why all the hate for Mal? Phil Gould claimed legendary status with the NSW media by being the most successful origin coach in history till Mal blew it out of the water. He is an Immortal waiting in line for his turn. He selections and game plan have helped guide Qld to sweet origin success while the other idiots pick and stick with the same blokes.
Damo Cynical
Guest
I wonder if Mal still wonders "what Rugby League has ever done for him"? Bobby Fulton would still make a better coach. Totally overpaid and totally over rated. I might go and have the chip on my shoulder for lunch now.....
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Let's be very clear. This is NOT a coaching job but a MANGERS job. The Origin is no different. Mal has been successful winning 10 from 11 Origin Series because he has a world beating list and he provides an excellent environment that allow the players to relax, train and perform. He has been a failed NRL coach and the current NSW coach has never even coached at NRL level. Do you really think Mal can teach Smith, Cronk, Thurston, Gi and Slater how to play? Mal has charisma and is ideal an the team Manager. The players like him. Having said that the ARLC are way out of order to offer Mal 300k to swap his Maroon shirt for a gold one. It is clearly no more than a 1ook to 150k job. The most important aspect of the job is getting the selections correct which is not rocket science, although Laurie Daley seems to keep getting it wrong.
Brett
Guest
The right man for the job.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I like the idea of Mal in charge of the Kangaroos. But seriously are Queensland really considering Hagan taking over. I'd have thought the Walker boys would be better candidates. NSW might be a chance next year. :-)
Alex L
Roar Rookie
More likely he calls for the NRL finals to be cancelled so his Australia side can rest up for the 4 Nations.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
He'll probably call for Tests to be cancelled or postponed so his Queensland side can rest up for Origin.