Brad Fittler has rejected an approach to become the new Australian Kangaroos head coach.
Understood to be the preference of the ARL Commission led by Peter V’Landys, it appeared Fittler had fought off all challengers including a trio of Queensland legends—Cameron Smith, Kevin Waters and super coach, Wayne Bennett.
However, the Daily Telegraph is reporting the former NSW and Kangaroos captain has officially withdrawn from the race, opting to focus on his media commitments instead.
Arguably the highest profile coaching position in rugby league, the Australian top job became vacant earlier this month when Mal Meninga, 64, was appointed as inaugural head coach of the NRL’s 18th franchise, the Perth Bears.
MORE: Perth Bears NRL coaching staff: Head coach Mal Meninga joined by Ben Gardiner
Whilst a coup for both Meninga and the Bears, the announcement triggered a high-profile vacancy for the Australian team on the eve of the 2025 Kangaroo Tour—the first since Darren Lockyer’s side triumphed 3-0 in the 2003 Ashes.
Mal Meninga—a hard act to follow
Rugby league’s 13th Immortal, Meninga guided the Kangaroos for the best part of a decade—28 games with a win rate of 89%—following an unprecedented run of success with Queensland that delivered eight consecutive State of Origin shields between 2006 and 2013.
With Fittler now out of contention, the NRL community is left to again speculate as to who could replace Meninga, and when that announcement might come.
England will host the Australian Kangaroos in three tests at the end of the 2025 NRL season—Wembley Stadium (London) on October 25, Everton Stadium (Liverpool) on November 1 and Headingley (Leeds) on November 8.