Parker: Why Smith is 'primed' for Kangaroos gig

He was beaten to the role last time around.

But could Cameron Smith become the next coach of the Australian Kangaroos?

For the second time in 13 months, the ARLC are on the lookout for a new coach of the men's national team, with current coach Kevin Walters joining Super League side St. Helens after the completion of the Rugby League World Cup in October/November.

With the role vacant beyond the tournament, attention has turned to who will take over, with former 13-time Kangaroos representative Corey Parker believing Smith should be appointed.

The former Australia captain had been in the running during the previous coaching search, having been endorsed by previous coach Mal Meninga last year before the ARLC went with Walters.

Following his rejection, the NRL’s games record holder has taken up a position with the Brisbane Broncos, working as a leadership consultant this year.

And while he has taken himself out of contention for the Maroons job, Parker believes the Melbourne Storm legend is primed to take over.

“If I had to put a name forward right now on who takes the Australian job, I'd be saying Cameron Smith,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“He's been very cagey in what jobs he takes on and what jobs he doesn't.

“It's my understanding that Smithy was told to just go and put yourself in a few areas of coaching.

“So, when the time is right you have a little bit of background in that space.

“Now I don't think he needs to do that, but from an optic point of view, maybe he does.

“He's there at the Brisbane Broncos at the moment; he's spent time with Billy (Slater) in the State of Origin side.

“I think he'll be primed and will take that Australian job.

“No disrespect to anyone, but the pressure of coaching Australia is not like the pressure of coaching Queensland and/or New South Wales.”

Andrew McCullough agreed, noting the role would coincide with his existing work.

“Knowing Smithy a little bit, but just not wanting the grind of football every single day, it's that, come in and do a job for that period and sort of jump back out of it, I think is what he was trying to align with,” McCullough added.

The Kangaroos begin their RLWC campaign against New Zealand on October 15 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.