Mal Meninga reveals plans for Kangaroos tour overhaul, with five games and a Dubai training camp

Australia coach Mal Meninga has revealed his unique Kangaroos UK tour plan which will revive an old-fashioned tradition, include an extra Test and a historic training camp in the UAE.

Australia’s Kangaroos could revive its famous yet lost tradition of playing a midweek game against an English club side during this year’s anticipated European tour.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has revealed his unique Kangaroo tour plan which would include an old-fashioned midweek club game, an additional Test against France and a historic training camp in Dubai.

With a three-Test Ashes series against England locked in, Meninga now harbours a five-match wish list which involves a Wednesday game against a Super League club team.

Meninga will talk with NRL management about his squad visiting the multimillion dollar sporting facilities in the United Arab Emirates en route to England.

Playing a midweek game against a club would revive memories of previous Kangaroo tours, who played Wednesday games against local English sides.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has revealed plans to overhaul Australia’s tour of England. Picture: Getty Images

“It would be a throwback to the great old Kangaroo days,” said former Kangaroos captain Max Krilich.

Meninga said the Kangaroos could possibly play the Super League or Challenge Cup champions.

“Playing against a club side would offer tribalism and you’d fill the stadium. There would be a lot of interest from clubs over there wanting to play us,” Meninga said.

“There would be a carrot there not only for the Kangaroos but also for the club side, who wouldn’t have experienced anything like this before. The clubs and owners over there could pitch for the game.”

A midweek game could prompt a ten-day turnaround between Tests. Australian players who contested midweek club games on previous tours were dubbed The Emus.

Garry Schofield (L) pulls back Laurie Daley during Leeds v Australia Kangaroos in 1994. Picture: Rugby League A/CT

The proposed Test against the French, to be played in the Catalans region, would help build the game in France.

“Having spoken to the players, we’d love to build into the schedule a Test against France before the Ashes series,” Meninga said.

“There could also be an opportunity for a three-day camp in Dubai, if it fits into the schedule. It’s a possibility. The Australian cricket team did some preparations (for the Sri Lankan tour) by spending time in Dubai.

“A visit to Dubai would give the players a great life experience. It would be a great reward for being selected. I understand the facilities over there are second-to-none.

“It would be part of the offering we could provide for the national team. That’s my wish list but I haven’t yet spoken to the powers-that-be. It’s all on the table, it just needs to be discussed, but these are my thoughts.”

Reece Robson (left) and Bradman Best (right) didn't play a game for the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Championship campaign despite being picked in the squad. Picture: NRL Imagery

A five-game tour would also allow Meninga to give every squad member a game.

Australian players Ben Hunt, Bradman Best and Reece Robson were chosen in Australia’s Pacific Nations series late last year but overlooked for all three games.

“I want all players to play a game. We want to give everyone on the tour to put on the green and gold jersey and to press their claims. You also never know when you’re going to get injuries and you can’t beat match fitness. We could take a squad of 21, 22 players,” Meninga said.

“If you’re not playing, you do lose your passion and interest. By playing other games, it would enhance the whole experience.

“A Test match against the French would be ideal, to keep that candle burning. France is really important for the international game.”

The Kangaroos could leave Australia around a fortnight after the NRL grand final.

Originally published as Mal Meninga reveals plans for Kangaroos tour overhaul, with five games and a Dubai training camp