Off The Record podcast: Brad Fittler emerges as frontrunner to replace Mal Meninga as Kangaroos coach

A surprise frontrunner has emerged to become the new Kangaroos coach, with Mal Meninga expected to be named as the Perth Bears’ foundation coach. OFF THE RECORD PODCAST

Brad Fittler has emerged as the shock frontrunner to become the new Kangaroos coach if Mal Meninga takes over the Perth Bears.

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield broke the news on the Off the Record podcast, which he co-hosts with The Australian’s Andrew Webster.

With Meninga expected to take up the Bears job in the next 48 hours, the ARL Commission is keen to find a replacement as national head coach as soon as possible.

Former NSW coach Fittler and former Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith are the frontrunners, although South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett has indicated he also wants the job.

The commission is loath to appoint a coach connected with a club.

According to Rothfield, Fittler is expected to win the battle ahead of Smith because of his previous coaching experience.

Fittler won the 2018, 2019, and 2021 Origin series against Queensland but lost the last two.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga is expected to become the foundation coach for the Perth Bears. Picture: Getty Images

“The man to replace Mal will be Bradley Fittler,” Rothfield said.

“I find this a stunning appointment in that Wayne Bennett has told all the right people that he would be prepared to coach the side.

He’s coached New Zealand, England, and Queensland. However, the commission insists it does not want anyone with club or state ties.

“That’s left two men standing: Cameron Smith and Brad Fittler.

“Freddy has the edge because he has coached before. He was wound up as NSW Blues coach, but he didn’t do too bad a job. He could’ve kept that job, but he wasn’t happy with a four-month contract and taking a substantial financial hit. He hasn’t been approached to coach Australia yet — but knowing him it’s a challenge he’d jump at.”

Webster said Fittler would do an outstanding job but questioned how he would handle the pressure of coaching a team always expected to win.

Brad Fittler has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Meninga as Kangaroos coach.

“The only apprehension I have is he struggles with scrutiny,” he said.

“In the last two series as NSW coach he became unhinged with the criticism that came his way, which is natural when you lose two in a row. When you coach Australia, you are expected to win every time.

“He lost the faith of the Blues’ playing group in that last series. He was told he needed to make changes to his coaching staff after they lost the series in 2022, and he put his mates ahead of the players and the result was there for all to see.”

Meninga has not signed on at the Bears but has confirmed he is in discussions with the new team.

Brad Fittler (R) with coach Chris Anderson (L) in 2000.

Brad Fittler made his Kangaroos debut at 19. Picture: Mark Evans

“We are having conversations but nothing has eventuated yet,” Meninga said on Jimmy Smith’s show on SEN.

“It is something I would love to do. There are a few things going to Perth and family is one of those things … Where I have come from and where I am today it would be a great to fulfil a passion and fulfil a legacy piece.

“I am interested. They want to make an appointment sooner rather than later.”

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Originally published as Off The Record podcast: Brad Fittler emerges as frontrunner to replace Mal Meninga as Kangaroos coach