Overview

• The head coach role became vacant when Mal Meninga left to become the inaugural coach of the NRL’s Perth Bears earlier in June.
• Brad Fittler formally withdrew from contention on June 30 to focus on his television commitments.
• Smith has yet to hold formal talks with ARL officials but is now widely seen as the leading contender following Fittler’s exit.
• Kevin Walters remains under consideration after brief meetings with NRL and ARLC representatives.
• The ARLC enforces a policy prohibiting simultaneous club and national coaching duties as it works to confirm a successor ahead of the October–November Ashes tour at Wembley, Everton Stadium and Headingley.