Kevin Walters has been named as Australia’s head coach for their ABK Beer Ashes Series against England this autumn - and is excited for the challenge ahead.
He replaces Mal Meninga, who left in June after the announcement that he would be taking charge of new NRL club Perth Bears.
Walters played 291 matches through a first-grade career with Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos, winning six Premierships through his career.
He played 20 State of Origin games for Queensland, as well as 11 Test matches for the Kangaroos.
He was also part of the Kangaroos squad that toured Great Britain in 1990 and 1994.
Walters has been given a three-match deal to lead the men's team for the upcoming Ashes encounters.
The three-match Test Series, which gets underway at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 October, will then move to Everton’s new home the Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1, and will conclude on November 8 at AMT Headingley Stadium, a legendary Ashes venue in both Rugby League and cricket.
The Tests at Everton and Headingley are already sold out, with tickets still available for the First Test at a famous Wembley.
On his appointment, Walters has said: "It is truly an honour and a privilege to be able to coach the Kangaroos on such a stage.
"Playing on a Kangaroos tour was always a pinnacle as a player, so to be able to lead the best of the best in this environment is very humbling and obviously very exciting.
"This series will be an important step for the growth of international rugby league and for the Kangaroos. I can't wait to get started.
"I'm just grateful to get the opportunity now and I'm really looking forward to getting my teeth into it, feet under the desk and a really strong focus on certainly the first Test at Wembley first and then we'll go from there."
Walters has also paid tribute to Meninga, with Meninga’s decision to take up this new coaching role forcing him to step down from international duties in June.
ARLC rules prevent the national team head coach from holding a club job at the same time.
“We're very fortunate that Mal's a well-planned coach, he's done a lot of the hard work in preparing the itinerary for the Kangaroos, for their training venues, for their hotels," Walters said.
“So Mal, thanks to you, big fella, you’ve done great work and the NRL (as well). That's virtually all done.
“There's a few little things to be done which any coach coming in would have a say on, but the hard work's been done so that's the beauty (of it).
“The work that Mal's done and his team to set up the schedule has been magnificent.”
On Australia's return to England and with a truly electrifying atmosphere expected across the series, Walters said:
“I've been to Wembley and watched Tests there. I've not been picked in the side for the Ashes as well, so this time I'm going there with a great attitude, with a really strong Aussie team to get the job done."
His focused particularly on the First Test at England's iconic National Stadium:
“I've got nothing but great memories from Wembley. It's one of the great sporting arenas in the world.
“That's the exciting part of venturing over there and playing at these iconic grounds. It's all part of the excitement of being in an Ashes Series.”
And as the business end of the NRL approaches, Walters also commented on any squad selection spectulation:
“Most of the players who played Origin, their teams are all in contention. You've got the Panthers; the Broncos are playing well. The Bulldogs are playing well. Storm, a great side. The Roosters, so all these teams very much in contention to go deep into September which makes it great for us for competition for spots.”
"That's the exciting thing for me is working with those players and getting to know them, getting the best out of them when they put that green and gold jersey on.
“I'm sure we'll get a very strong 22 to take on the English in October and November.”
Have you got your tickets for the return of the famous Ashes Series?
Rivalries will be reignited when England take on Australia in the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes this autumn. The two nations will meet in a three-match test series over 20 years in the making and with the second and third test completely SOLD OUT; Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 October is your only place to watch this fierce rivalry live!
Book your Wembley tickets here with prices starting from just £20 for adults and £10 for U16’s.
