Kangaroos, Jillaroos, Wheelaroos coaches announced

Former Australian international Kevin Walters has been confirmed as the new Kangaroos coach for the 2025 Ashes Tour, while the tenures of current Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner and Wheelaroos coach Brett Clark have been extended through to the 2026 World Cup.

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 part of the 1990 and 1994 Kangaroo Tours.

Walters, who threw the final pass for Steve Renouf's match winning try in the 1992 World Cup final, said he was looking forward to guiding the Kangaroos in an Ashes Tour.

“It is truly an honour and a privilege to be able to coach the Kangaroos on such a stage,” Walters said. “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.”

Skinner, who has been a member of the Jillaroos coaching staff since 2018, oversaw March's 90-4 defeat of England in Las Vegas.

“I’ve really enjoyed the chance to coach at this level so to be given the opportunity to coach the Jillaroos through the 2026 World Cup is incredibly exciting," Skinner said. "The women’s game is experiencing continued and significant growth so to be part of the journey at this level is a real honour.”

Clark has coached the Wheelaroos since 2019 and took the team the semi-finals of the last World Cup in 2022.

His next assignment will be the upcoming Ashes series against world champions England on the Gold Coast in October, followed by next year's World Cup.

Cameron Sullivan, who has been in charge of Queensland, will join Clark as assistant coach of the Australian Wheelaroos, with both appointments extending through to 30 June 2027.

“On behalf of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia, we congratulate both Brett and Cameron on their appointments and look forward to their leadership as the Wheelaroos prepare for an exciting and competitive international campaign,” said Anna Fitzgerald, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia.

A formal squad announcement for the Ashes and confirmation of additional support staff will be made in the coming weeks.

Walters will also appoint coaching staff for the Ashes Tour, which includes Test matches at Wembley Stadium (October 25), Everton Stadium (November 1) and Headingley (November 8).

The Jillaroos will compete in the Pacific Championships against New Zealand and Samoa at the end of the NRLW season.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said he was pleased to confirm Walters and Skinner to guide the Kangaroos and Jillaroos.

“The Commission is very pleased to confirm Kevin Walters as the Kangaroos coach for this historic series,” V’landys said.

“As Kangaroo number 612, Walters is very well placed to lead the national team on a historic tour to the UK.

“Kevin has played for the Kangaroos, had a successful coaching career with Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons, and will bring that expertise into the national team for the Ashes.

“Kevin has toured with the Kangaroos as a player, was a leader as a player and as a coach. His coaching pedigree is a natural fit for the national team.

“Jess Skinner had significant success in her first outing as Jillaroos coach in Las Vegas earlier this year. Jess has progressed through the coaching pathways and is a fantastic choice to lead Australia’s most prolific national women’s team until the end of the World Cup.”