Brad Fittler has rejected the chance to replace Mal Meninga as Kangaroos coach

The search to replace former Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga continues after frontrunner Brad Fittler pulled himself from the race as another leading contender for the position expressed interest in the role.

Brad Fittler has rejected the chance to replace Mal Meninga as Kangaroos coach opening the door for the likes of Cameron Smith or Kevin Walters to secure the vacant position.

Fittler pulled himself from the race to instead focus on his media commitments.

He was the front-runner for the job after Meninga had to stand down from the Kangaroos position after being appointed the Perth Bears coach.

“There was an opportunity there,” Fittler confirmed on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports on Monday night. “I was grateful for (the NRL for) thinking of me. My commitments to channel 9, I work for the NRL in participation and commercial. I’m enjoying that.

“When the role came about I started planning and thinking this is probably for someone else at the moment.

“I agonised (over the decision). What an incredible opportunity but I didn’t think I could do it justice. That’s why I didn’t want to commit. It’s someone that needs a bit of time.”

It means the NRL remain on the lookout for a new head coach for the national side only four months out from the Ashes series.

Brad Fittler has pulled out of the race to coach the Kangaroos. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Smith and Walters were mooted as potential candidates for the role when Meninga opted to take up the head coaching role with Perth, but Fittler was quickly identified as the preferred candidate given his previous experience at the helm of the NSW Blues.

Smith confirmed his interest in the Kangaroos job on Monday night.

“I’m keen to have a conversation with someone about the role and what the role will entail,” Smith told 100% Footy onthe NIne Network.

“I still haven’t spoke with anyone at the NRL, anyone involved with the ARL commission at all.

“I think we all thought or assumed that Freddy (Fittler) was going to be the new Kangaroos coach. So it’s all breaking news for us today.

”For me, if I was to take on the role or even consider taking on the role, I’d have to have a conversation with someone about what what that role would entail, what the commitments would be.

“I love my role with the (Nine) commentary team at the moment. I have three young kids as well. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to coach our country, our nation’s team.

“I was lucky enough to play for the Kangaroos many, many times and I’ve got some great memories. So to be able to coach such a a wonderful team full of wonderful athletes, wonderful footballers would be a great opportunity.”

Smith said he harboured no ill will after he was initially overlooked for the role.

”My feelings aren’t hurt,” he said.

“If someone wants to reach out and enquire about my interest in the job, I’d be happy to have the conversation.”

Fittler said he would not close the door on returning to the coaching arena in the future.

“It’s not as though I won’t ever do it again,” Fittler said. “When I was commenting even when I was coaching the Origin team, it’s uncomfortable. It got a bit muddy at stages and wore on my conscious. “Over the last couple of weeks it all pointed to allowing someone else to do it… I couldn’t give it my full attention.”

Smith hasn’t been involved in senior coaching since he was part of Billy Slater’s staff with the Queensland State of Origin side.

Cameron Smith is the second most capped Kangaroo in history. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Significantly, the Maroons lost last year when Smith was no longer on the staff. Walters hasn’t been involved in coaching since leaving the Broncos but it is understood he still has an urge to coach.

Seven-time premiership winner Wayne Bennett was also linked with the role and it is understood he would jump at the chance to take the Kangaroos to England for an Ashes tour.

However, the ARL Commission has rules in place to prevent club coaches taking charge of the national side and it is understood they would be reluctant to reverse their position.

That rule could also work against Leeds coach Brad Arthur, who was initially earmarked for the Perth job, being considered for the position.

That leaves Smith and Walters as the logical options. Australia play England in an end of season Ashes series.

Originally published as Brad Fittler has rejected the chance to replace Mal Meninga as Kangaroos coach