Australian Kangaroos coach and NRL Immortal Mal Meninga has denied reports suggesting he is set to take over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on an interim basis as pressure ramps up on incumbent Jason Demetriou.
Initial reports that emerged on Wednesday afternoon stated that the Rabbitohs’ board had agreed to sack Demetriou after this weekend in order to finalise a deal with Meninga, as the side struggles with a 1-4 start to the season.
A unanimous vote in favour of hiring Meninga on an interim basis was widely viewed as a smart move by the Rabbitohs, but the NRL icon was quick to downplay those rumours.
“No, I haven’t (been approached), yet, but I know there’s interest,” Meninga said on SEN 1170’s The Throwdown.
“That’s the first I have to say but there’s been no official anything so far, I felt a bit sorry for what’s happening at the club at the moment obviously, we want to see a South Sydney Rabbitohs firing in our game.
“I feel a bit sorry for the coach at the moment, there’s been a lot of media speculation… without any comment from me because I’ve got nothing really to comment about because there’s been no official conversation been held at all.
“All I know is that they’re keen on it and a lot of is through the media, that’s where I sit.”
“Again, I feel for Jason, if this is all speculation it’s really cruel in my mind, if it is factual let’s get on with it, if Jason is the person to be moved on then let’s be fair to him and tell him.
Meninga did confirm his interest in an interim coaching role if it was to be offered to him later down the track.
“I love the idea of being an interim coach, however, I’ve got some big commitments in my life, I obviously do a lot of media with Fox and (SEN), I’ve got the Australian gig and I’ve got my own business, so a lot of consideration needs to take place,” Meninga added.
“I’m very happy in life, living down here in Canberra, it’s only short-term I know, it is something that something that certainly interests me and I’m flattered that my name is being mentioned at all.
“Again, there’s no real foundation to it just yet.”
South Sydney will be looking to get its second win of the season this Saturday night against the Cronulla Sharks.