NRL commentator Andrew Voss has blasted the confusion around who will be the Kangaroos coach for the upcoming World Cup later this year. Kevin Walters led Australia to a 3-0 Ashes series win at the end of last year having been given a three-game contract as head coach.
The former Queensland and Broncos coach helped the Kangaroos win the series even if they were underwhelming in victory. Despite an undefeated record at the helm of the national job, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) appears to have delayed confirming a coach for the tournament.
Walters appears to be in limbo over whether he will be taking the Kangaroos into the competition only five months out, according to Voss. And the leading commentator has taken aim at the situation.
NRL commentator Andrew Voss has taken aim at the ARLC for not confirming whether Kevin Walters (pictured right) would be the head coach for Australia at this year’s World Cup. (Images: Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Speaking on Thursday, Voss blasted the preparation from the ARLC and claimed fans wanted clarity. “What are you doing, whoever is in charge of appointing the Australian coach?” Voss said on SEN Radio.
“What the hell are you doing? It’s a World Cup year. There is no way the New South Wales or Queensland jersey would be dealt with such disrespect as to not have someone locked in to coach six months out. This is the Kangaroos, there is a World Cup on our doorstep. It makes it seem like it’s second-rate.”
Andrew Voss backs Kevin Walters as coach
Cameron Munster won the player-of-the-series in the Ashes, but there a number of quiet performances from some big names. The slower ruck speed and different rule interpretations – compared to the NRL – certainly made the contest a tussle. Voss argued while it wasn’t the most spectacular performance from the Kangaroos, it was surely enough to hand Walters the full-time job heading into the competition.
“Could the Australian team have done better at the Ashes series?” he added. “Damn right they could, but they still won, and they won 3-0. So on that basis, whoever’s gotta make the call, make the call today. You’ve got Kevvie Walters’ number there; this is your solution to any speculation.
“Ring Kevvie and say, ‘Kevvie, you retained the Ashes, you’re getting another crack this year, now get serious around the planning for the World Cup, you’ve got the job’. Make the call today to Kevin Walters; that is the solution, quite simple.”
The Kangaroos open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in a blockbuster opening game on 15 October. The event will be held in Australia.