Brad Fittler has garnered the endorsement of renowned rugby league figure Phil Gould as the race to secure the head coach position of the Kangaroos ramps up. With Mal Meninga expected to be named the inaugural coach of the new Perth Bears, he will reportedly step down from his role with the Kangaroos, necessitating a swift search for his successor. The Kangaroos are set to embark on an Ashes tour later this month, making the timeframe for appointing a new coach quite urgent.
Gould has highlighted Fittler as the most suitable candidate for the role, citing his extensive experience within the Australian representative setup. Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus, Gould praised Fittler’s background, stating, “He’s done his time. I think it is very advantageous to have someone who knows what the Australian camp entails and how it operates.” Fittler’s track record spans various levels of representative football, from junior teams to state pathways, further solidifying his credentials.
While it remains uncertain whether Fittler is keen on the position, Gould expressed hope that he would pursue it, suggesting that given the opportunity, many coaches would be inclined to accept such a prestigious role. Fittler himself has noted on Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth that he has yet to be approached regarding the head coaching position. He acknowledged, “There is no job at the moment because if Mal Meninga doesn’t take the Perth job, he is still the Australian coach.”
Moreover, while Gould also pointed to Cameron Smith as a potential future candidate for the coaching role, he stressed that Fittler currently stands out as the most qualified individual for the position. He acknowledged the importance of experience in representing Australia, which puts Fittler at the forefront of the selection process.
Gould’s comments suggest a strong belief in Fittler’s readiness and capability to lead the Kangaroos, given his familiarity with the demands of the Australian rugby league context. As the coaching landscape shifts, all eyes will be on Fittler and the impending decisions regarding the Kangaroos’ leadership as they prepare for their upcoming tour.