Mal Meninga’s record-breaking reign as Queensland State of Origin coach is expected to officially end on Thursday, when he takes over as Kangaroos mentor.
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.
QRL chairman Peter Betros appears resigned to being without Meninga’s services again, after he helped bring the Origin crown back to Queensland this year courtesy of a record 52-6 thumping of NSW in the series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
“I believe the issue will be resolved tomorrow,” Betros told AAP on Wednesday.
“If I was a betting man I think he would enjoy the challenge of the Kangaroos.
“He has always been up for a challenge.”
Meninga had agreed to coach the Maroons, who he has led to victory in nine of the past 10 Origin series, for the next three seasons.
But Betros said the QRL would not stand in Meninga’s way “after 10 years of loyal service”.
“We would love for him to stay but if he leaves we understand – we are very grateful for what he has done for us,” Betros said.
The ARL had previously made it clear that a current Origin coach could not be in charge of the national team.
Meninga’s Maroons assistant Kevin Walters is the favourite to take over the Queensland head coaching role.
Michael Hagan, who was released from his role as coaching director with Newcastle last week, is another possibility as Meninga’s successor.
“The board has had discussions on who we could approach if Mal isn’t available, but we haven’t agreed on a direction yet,” said Betros, who wouldn’t comment when asked if there was a standout candidate.
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.
Samtwocan
Guest
I think theres a lot of people who would like to see the same.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Too right mate. That said, I hope they both retire from rep footy.... Gal in particular, he has nothing left to prove there. I'd prefer if they were purely focussed on getting the Sharks over the line this year.
Mike from Tari
Guest
Interesting to see how many other coaches he gets in to coach the side, who is Bennett going to give his advise to, Meninga or Kearney.
Perry Bridge
Guest
Better that than going into politics.....
Birdy
Guest
Don't worry Russ , I grew up in the era when 2 things counted , the grand final and the kangaroos playing a test match. Even when they were touring you would either watch a replay or stay up all night to watch them . Unfortunately with Australia's total dominance since the seventies SOO has captured the mindset of most people. I just like to think it's filling in the gap until the international game returns to its rightful glory . As you say who cares about the score ? Let's just play. If we play Canada , and we should I don't care if we win by 80 points .
Russ
Guest
Birdy you seem like a voice lost in a strange land, I have just seen a list of the autumn yawn tests and the parallel between this level of input and ours is stupfying ( PS is that how you spell it?) And no wonder Vichy uses this against us, when the top nation opts out like it can't be bothered. I want to see tests the results don't matter. I want RL to show it has a world presence to the doubters, yawn scallywags, potential sponsors and Gus Gould! "I have a dream....."
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I'm just annoyed he earns more than in a second than I do an hour. And I don't think he very good tactically. But I guess international is all about man management anyway
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Exactly Also it should be let known that Gallen and Lewis were missing in the games that we lost our no1 ranking to NZ. And I can't recall a player who has more players players award for the green and gold than Gallen
Renegade
Roar Guru
"Lilyman, Papalii, Gillette and McQueen" Who? ;)
Renegade
Roar Guru
Disagree Squid.... Gus is way off the mark as usual. It's the highest honour for a coach in the game within our country.... should be paid accordingly. Not too mention he wasn't getting too much less for a 6 week (3 game) job as Maroons coach.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Great then we get Lilyman, Papalii, Gillette and McQueen
Birdy
Guest
I hope a full time national coach is also a change for the better in the NRL 's regards to the international scene. We want more. I don't care if we play a test series against the Cook Islands , I just want to see the green and gold.
Long Black
Roar Rookie
This might mean no Gallen, Bird, Lewis, Merrin etc in the test side. It'll be good to be world number one again.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Yes, that's right. It's the national role. It's got to be bigger than his Origin role...
EastsFootyFan
Roar Guru
They've made it quite clear that it's far more than simply coaching the Kangaroos. Meninga was getting over $250k for coaching 3 games a year in Origin, and with World Cups, 4Ns and other tests there is more work in the national role on aggregate over the 4 year cycle than there is in Origin, but the work goes well beyond just the games.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I've no problem with the money either. It's about time the Kangaroos become as respected as the cricket team and if that means paying good money to the coach/manager, then so be it. But it would help if they played games...
Samtwocan
Guest
I expect there's more to it than just walking around in a trakky blowing a whistle for a few hours , but even if it's 1000 hours s year it's still $300 per hour. That's 25 weeks work , I doubt it's that involved. As long as he gets the results to justify the coin , who cares it's not coming out of my pocket .
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'd be surprised if the role wasn't more than just to coach/manage a couple of games per year. I'd assume it also entails an ambassadorial role?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
$5,500 an hour if you say 8hrs for the week leading to the Anzac test Or $3,800 a minute if you only count the 80min game Or $63 a second
Samtwocan
Guest
I imagine it would be a pretty healthy hourly rate .