Kiss 'open' to chatting with NRL players ahead of home World Cup

Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss has confirmed that he is interested in speaking with any NRL player willing to switch codes ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. 

With the tournament set to be played in Australia for the first time in 24 years, there have been many NRL players keen on representing the national side in a move similar to what Wendell Sailor, Andrew Walker and SEN’s Mat Rogers did ahead of the 2003 edition.

Already, Angus Crichton has confirmed that he’ll play for the Waratahs in 2027 after having played his 11th season in the NRL, while Roosters’ teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase has confirmed his departure from the club at the end of the season to join Japanese side Saitama Wild Knights.  

However, while the Queensland Reds coach, alongside Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh, is interested in speaking to those willing to switch codes, they want to ensure that those switching will bolster the side and not hinder existing players.

But while they are willing to speak with those interested, they want to ensure that they can fit the Wallabies’ needs.

“There are people, agents and players who are interested (in playing for the Wallabies in 2027),” he told SENQ Breakfast.

“As Phil Waugh, our CEO, has said, we will listen to anyone and talk to them. We’ll be very considered about what decisions we make.

“Because in the end, we’ve got a lot of good players in our Rugby ranks.

“Any decision we make isn’t done without care and consideration about the whole package.

"Do they fit? Is that position something we need to strengthen? Will it help?  Have they played Rugby before?

“So there is a lot of things that come into it, but we are interested in talking to anyone. But we will make sure we’re not in a way that sidelines a lot of players that have done a lot of work in the game.”

However, when asked about the characteristics and players he would like to bring in, a focus on adding speed would be the main priority. 

“It’s a toughie because there are a lot of good players and I could throw heaps (of names) out there,” Kiss continued.

“But guys that have played Rugby before, like Hammer (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow), I think he came from a Rugby (Union) school. Someone like him who’s got that speed and agility.

“Those types of players are really crucial. Obviously, Angus has joined up, and he played for the Australian Rugby Schoolboys; (he was) a great midfielder in his own right.

“It’s probably more in the backs than the forwards to tell you the truth. Because that forward game is not an easy place to learn the game if you haven’t been a part of it.

“But people with that speed, agility, and a sense for the game that can anticipate things, they’re certainly handy in any world of sport.”

Kiss will begin his tenure as Wallabies head coach at the conclusion of the Southern leg of the inaugural Nations Championships.

That will mean his first game in charge against Eddie Jones’ Japan on August 8.