BY JOHN DAVIDSON
New Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has shrugged off suggestions that Australia is in disarray at the moment and that England has its best chance of winning the Ashes in decades.
Long-time boss Mal Meninga left the role in June and Brad Fittler passed on the position, citing a lack of preparation and his media commitments. The world champions have also been hit by a number of defections to Polynesian countries, such as NSW prop Payne Haas to Samoa.
But Walters, who was appointed last week with the first Ashes Test to be held in Wembley at the end October, said in a media call today: “I don’t agree with that. Mal [Meninga] did a lot of work with planning with the tour, so it’s all basically planned out as far as our hotels, our training venues, our recovery venues.
“A lot of the work has been done for us. As for losing certain players, well that’s a natural thing. It’s been a progression in the last four or five, six years where some players have defected to other countries.
“I get that and I respect that, but I feel as a nation and as a country the Australian Kangaroos have got great depth in every position, so we’ll be taking 22 fit Kangaroos ready to go to battle for the Ashes.
“I don’t have any concerns around any of that. We’ll be ready to take on England. I certainly understand the challenge of the task and the enormity of it, because it is different to playing the English in Australia.
“The crowds are much more hostile. The English players seem to play much better at home in their own venues. It’s a big challenge for us, but one we’re all looking forward to.”
The Kangaroos have held the Ashes since 1973. Queensland stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow have both been linked to electing to play for Toa Samoa at the end of this year.
Walters said he was “not bothered” if the pair chose Samoa.
“We’ve had a chat and there’s no pressure for them,” he said.
“I get it, the team will be selected after the grand final. Once we get into the finals, obviously, the Titans won’t be playing finals, maybe the Dolphins can sneak in. But when their seasons are finished I’ll get to them and I’ll get a decision out of them then.
“But I’m not bothered either way, to be honest. We’d love them to be a part of the Kangaroos but I totally respect if they choose to play for Samoa or another country that they desire.”
There has also been speculation around injury-hit Latrell Mitchell and whether he will make himself available for the Ashes. Mitchell helped the Kangaroos win the World Cup on English soil in 2022.
Walters seemed hopeful that the Souths fullback would put his hand up.
“He’s missed the last couple of weeks with a shoulder/neck problem,” he said.
“I did speak to him earlier this week and I’m going to catch up with him next week in Sydney. From what I can gather he was very keen to catch up and have a coffee. So that’s always a good sign.”
Canberra Raiders young-gun Ethan Strange has also come into selection debates after his blistering form in the NRL. Strange is eligible for both England and Australia.
Walters confirmed that he is considering Strange for a call-up.
“Certainly. We’ve seen in the past with Kangaroo tours that if you have a great finals season and your club team does well that projects you into selection for sure,” he said.
“There’s 22 spots open at the moment and his form in the past couple of weeks has been outstanding. If he can maintain that and get the Raiders all the way, then anything can happen.”
Walters stated that he plans to have an opposed training session against the French national team in London before the first Test, and potentially one against a Super League side.
In terms of assistant coaches, it has been suggested that the Kangaroos may appoint John Cartwright, Willie Peters or Brad Arthur to help Walters during the Ashes. Gordon Tallis has also been mooted as a candidate to join the Australian set-up.
“I can’t confirm or deny about Brad,” Walters said.
“We’re still sorting out candidates. He’d obviously be a very good person to have on staff.
“I haven’t as yet spoken to Brad, but I will certainly reach out to him in the next couple of days.
“I spoke to John just the other day, after their loss. He was sort of giving me some inside information, nothing really special. But I obviously worked with John at the Broncos.
“Willie Peters is having a great season at Hull KR, they’re breaking all sorts of records. Their defence is particularly strong, very hard to break their line.
“I’m particularly impressed with his work. And I’m very well aware of Brad’s talents.
“Three very talented coaches certainly, and I’ll be reaching out to all three of those guys, regardless if they’re on team or not, just for some insights into the English players and their knowledge of the English game and how it’s played.
“So that will be invaluable to us.”
