Kevin Walters could look to Super League for his Australia assistant coaches.
Hull KR boss Willie Peters is among a Super League coaching quartet touted as possible appointments for Australia ahead of autumn’s Ashes series in England.
Kevin Walters will lead the reigning world champions, but his proposal to bring former Kangaroos captain Gorden Tallis into camp as a cultural figurehead is set to be rejected by the NRL. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Tallis was wanted to provide leadership and inspiration as part of Walters’ support staff for the tour, but NRL officials deemed the addition unnecessary. They believe Walters already possesses sufficient knowledge to instil the importance of representing Australia in an Ashes series.
Walters was also reportedly interested in including Brisbane Broncos assistants Trent Barrett and Ben Te’o in his coaching team. However, the NRL is reluctant to involve club-affiliated coaches in the national set-up.
Former St Helens Justin Holbrook was also reported, but he is currently a part of Trent Robinson’s coaching staff at Sydney Roosters.
As a result, attention has turned to Super League, with several coaches based in the UK now in the mix with a push for Walters to appoint two assistants based in the northern hemisphere.
Hull KR ’s Peters and Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam have both been linked with potential roles. Lam has prior experience with the Kangaroos, having served as an assistant to Mal Meninga. It remains to be seen whether he will continue under Walters.
Leeds Rhinos’ head coach Brad Arthur and Hull FC’s John Cartwright have also been mentioned by Australian media as a possible candidates.
Meninga stepped down from the Kangaroos role in June after eight years at the helm, choosing to focus on the Perth Bears, who are set to join the NRL in 2027.
The Ashes series between England and Australia begins on October 25 at Wembley, followed by matches at Everton’s new ground and Leeds’ Headingley Stadium. It will mark the first Rugby League Ashes in 22 years.