The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) is set to lock down current coach Mal Meninga days after the Australian Kangaroos suffered the biggest defeat since its inception in 1908.
Meninga came under heavy criticism after the 30-0 loss to New Zealand with many, including SEN’s Greg Alexander, slamming the players for their attitude throughout the game.
The loss for the Kangaroos is a mere outlier in what has been an overwhelmingly successful seven-year stint as coach for Meninga.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio revealed that despite the heavy loss, Meninga is all but guaranteed to have his stay extended as the national team’s head coach.
“It’s set to happen, I think it’s an important discussion point on the back of the result on the weekend,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“How quickly the knives came out for Mal Meninga after that performance and I am happy to question and put a spotlight on what happened in that performance, as far as the player’s attitude.
“I think once the dust settles and everyone who the best coach is to continue to take the Kangaroos forward, I think the overwhelming support would be for Mal Meninga.”
Meninga has coached 26 games with the Kangaroos since taking over in 2016, winning 23 matches and two World Cups during that time period.
“The ALRC had indicated prior to this match that they were wishing to extend Mal, he is currently off contract,” Riccio added.
“If the commission wanted to create some wiggle room and maybe some change, they have the opportunity, that is not the way I think they’ll go.
“I think they’ll push Mal Meninga’s contract out until the end of the (2026) World Cup.”
The news comes after Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett declared he is out of a job beyond this season with assistant coach Kristian Woolf already contracted to takeover the NRL’s newest side.