Cameron Munster backs Cameron Smith to become next Kangaroos coach

Maroons skipper Cameron Munster has called for Cameron Smith to be appointed the next Kangaroos coach, after the NRL blocked a possible return for another contender.

Queensland skipper Cameron Munster has called for Cameron Smith to be appointed Kangaroos coach after the ARL Commission blocked a green-and-gold return for Wayne Bennett.

Maroons duo Munster and Harry Grant have urged the ARLC to launch ‘Operation Cam’ and sign Smith as Kangaroos coach to spearhead Australia’s historic Ashes campaign at season’s end.

The battle for the Kangaroos post vacated by Mal Meninga is hotting up with Smith confirming his interest, while former Broncos mentor Kevin Walters is another contender following the withdrawal of Brad Fittler.

South Sydney super coach Bennett is also keen for a third term as Australia’s mentor after previously taking charge of the Kangaroos in 1998 before a two-year reign in 2004-05.

Bennett would happily step-up as Meninga’s successor if formally approached by ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys.

But it’s understood the ARLC will not consider the claims of Bennett, who would relish leading Australia’s first major Kangaroo tour in 22 years, because their policy precludes an NRL club coach taking charge of the national team.

The scratching of Bennett and Fittler has opened the door for former Queensland and Test skipper Smith, who has the backing of Kangaroos aces Munster and Grant.

Smith is the second most-capped Kangaroo in history with 56 Tests and Maroons captain Munster said his former Storm teammate would command instant respect from Australia’s elite stars.

Cameron Smith is the second most capped Kangaroo in history. Picture: AAP

“There’s no better person than ‘Smithy’ (for the Australian job),” Munster said.

“He’s got that aura about him – he’s a bit like Mal.

“He’ll be an Immortal eventually.

“I’m not entirely sure who’s going to get the gig.

“When you’ve got a guy like Cameron Smith, that’s played 42 Origins and 50-plus Tests for Australia … his credentials and resume is probably the best that the game’s ever seen compared to other blokes.

“There’s probably no better person than Smithy to probably get the job.”

Smith had a remarkable 11-year green-and-gold career, winning 49 of 56 Tests for a stunning success rate of 87.5 per cent.

Smith had two successful years as Billy Slater’s Queensland assistant coach. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

The 430-game NRL legend won the Golden Boot Award as the world’s best player twice and skippered Australia to World Cup victories in back-to-back campaigns in 2013 and 2017.

Just turned 42, Smith had two successful years as Billy Slater’s Queensland assistant, winning consecutive series in 2022-23, before walking away from Camp Maroon to focus on family and media commitments.

While his interest in the Australian job has been piqued, Smith wants some preliminary dialogue with the ARLC to establish the role’s demands. The Kangaroos will play a three-Test series against England in the UK from October 25-November 8.

Maroons pivot Munster said while Smith is a Queensland icon, selection bias would not be an issue.

“I know he’s a Queenslander, but he’ll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done,” he said.

“He’s just got that calmness and obviously the belief.

“He’s been around the game a long time. He understands the game.

“When he talks, you listen.”

Grant, who started at hooker in Australia’s 20-14 defeat of Tonga in last November’s Pacific Championships final, said Smith – who played a combined 98 Test and Origin games – would be a standout choice.

“He’s been in that environment more than anyone in terms of clubland but also representative footy,” Grant said.

“He’s seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge.

“There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing.

“You think of guys like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I’m sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him.”

Originally published as Cameron Munster backs Cameron Smith to become next Kangaroos coach