Brad Fittler withdraws from process to take over as Australian Kangaroos coaching job

Brad Fittler has withdrawn from the race to take over as Kangaroos coach, after opting to focus on his television commitments.

Fittler has told the ARL Commission he is no longer eyeing off the Australian Test job, after having been the initial favourite to replace Mal Meninga.

The former NSW mentor’s decision leaves Cameron Smith as the front-runner for the role, having also emerged as a genuine contender.

Smith only retired from representative football eight years ago, but has coaching experience as Billy Slater’s Queensland assistant in 2022 and 2023.

Kevin Walters is also considered an option, after briefly meeting with the NRL as they searched for the Perth Bears’ first coach.

Walters is keen to get back into the coaching game, after being sacked by the Broncos at the end of last season.

Meninga was forced to end his nine-year tenure at the helm of the Kangaroos in early June, after taking on the head coach job at the Bears.

Appointing a new Kangaroos coach is a top priority for the ARLC, with an end-of-season Ashes tour of England looming.

A full-time Jillaroos coach must also be appointed, after Brad Donald’s exit earlier this year.

His former assistant Jess Skinner took over on an interim basis for Australia’s Test against England in Las Vegas in March, which the Jillaroos won 90-4.