Rugby league immortal Mal Meninga has thrown his support behind Cameron Smith to be appointed as the next coach of the Kangaroos.
Meninga, who left the role of Australian coach to pursue the inaugural Perth Bears job, famously coached Smith throughout the Maroons decade-long run of dominance.
MORE: Cameron Smith dubbed ‘perfect’ candidate to take over as Kangaroos coach
On Thursday, the 64-year-old appeared on SENQ Breakfast, delivering a vote of confidence that will be hard for the ARLC to ignore.
"I think Cam will handle it really well," said Meninga.
"There’s a great couple of years coming up including the Ashes and a home Rugby World Cup.
"The game hasn’t come to any conclusion on it. It’s a bit disappointing.
"They need to appoint someone and get over there. They need to get everything organised or else they’ll be behind the eight ball."
Smith has spent the past four years working for Nine's rugby league commentary team, which has kept him on the cutting-edge of the games development since he retired.
Meninga is certain that the 42-year-old would take to coaching really well given his experience as a player and now an analyst.
"Cameron is a highly intelligent individual," said Meninga.
"He understands the game really well, he commentates on the game and he’s coaching his young fella’s side.
"It has kept him thinking about the game and even though they’re kids, you have to think about how you’re going to get the best out of them."
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Given the current rule prohibiting club coaches from being eligible for the Kangaroos job, Smith is in prime position to be nominated.
The other man in the running is former Maroons and Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who is also in a media position waiting for his next coaching opportunity.