Voss slams farcical handling of Walters and RLWC

Andrew Voss has slammed the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) after not confirming who will be the coach for Australia just five months out from a home World Cup.

Following Mal Meninga’s departure to join the Perth Bears in June, the ARLC would take nearly two months to appoint Walters as coach for the Rugby League Ashes, where he was only offered a three-game contract.

The Kangaroos secured a series whitewash against England, winning by an average margin of 17.33 points.  

Having won the series, it was widely expected the Broncos legend would have his contract extended to keep him in place for the World Cup.

Five months on he is yet to be locked in.

“What are you doing, whoever is in charge of appointing the Australian coach?” Voss said on SEN.

“What the hell are you doing? It's a World Cup year.

“There is no way the New South Wales or Queensland jersey would be dealt with such disrespect as to not have someone locked in to coach six months out.

“This is the Kangaroos, there is a World Cup on our doorstep.

“It makes it seem like it's second-rate.”

Of the possible candidates that could take the role, Voss believes that the incumbent has done enough to stay put.

“Could the Australian team have done better at the Ashes series?” he continued. “Damn right they could, but they still won, and they won 3-0.

“So on that basis, whoever's gotta make the call, make the call today. You've got Kevvie Walters' number there; this is your solution to any speculation.

“Ring Kevvie and say, ‘Kevvie, you retained the Ashes, you're getting another crack this year, now get serious around the planning for the World Cup, you've got the job’.

“Make the call today to Kevin Walters; that is the solution, quite simple."

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup begins on October 15 with a blockbuster opening match between the World No.1 Kangaroos and the World No. 2 Kiwis at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.