V’landys keen for Mal to carry on
KANGAROOS coach Mal Meninga has the backing of ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys as he hedges his bets on coaching the Australian side at the next World Cup.
V’landys gave Meninga a glowing endorsement in the lead-up to Saturday night’s (AEDT) final at Old Trafford, where the long-time Australian coach will look to emulate the feat of the great Bob Fulton by winning two World Cups.
Meninga agreed a contract extension this year to take him through until the end of next season but was coy on his future beyond that when he spoke to the Australian media this week, insisting he wanted to complete the job at the World Cup and then make a call.
V’landys gave every indication that the ARL Commission would be open to extending Meninga’s deal if and when he wanted to open talks over the future.
“Mal has the strong support of me and the commission,” V’landys said. “Mal has done a tremendous job and we are very pleased with him. I have told him that personally. We are strong supporters of Mal. He has done a fantastic job.”
Meninga has a remarkable record as coach of the Kangaroos and stands on the cusp of history as he prepares for the World Cup final against Samoa on Saturday night.
Since taking over in 2016, he has lost only two games as coach of the Australian side – only Don Furner has a better record at the helm of the Kangaroos among those to have been in charge for more than 10 matches.
Asked whether he planned to remain in charge until the next World Cup in France, Meninga was noncommittal.
“I don’t know – we will see what happens,” he said.
“I am getting on.”