Mal in Maroons return?

NRL will consider Origin move

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys says the NRL will consider giving Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga special dispensation to rescue Queensland as the Broncos face an incredible Maroons snubbing.

The Maroons delayed naming their initial train-on squad on Tuesday as uncertainty surrounds who will coach Queensland in November’s 40th anniversary series.

Incumbent Queensland coach Kevin Walters has officially clinched the Brisbane coaching job and Broncos bosses will ask him to stand down from the Maroons to focus solely on his club duties.

Given he has spent the past 12 months planning, Walters could remain involved with the Maroons in the lead-up to the series but will not be the head coach when it kicks off in Adelaide on November 4.

That has prompted the Queensland Rugby League to urgently consider contingency plans, with Meninga, Wayne Bennett and Paul Green being touted as possible replacements.

Meninga is employed by the NRL to oversee the national team, but with no Test matches to be played this year, the COVID saga could open the door for the Immortal to reunite with the Maroons.

“We would certainly look at the prospect of Mal helping out Queensland. If the QRL approach us officially, we will look at it,” V’landys said.

“In a normal situation it wouldn’t happen, because you can’t be an Australian coach as well as a Queensland or NSW coach.

“But in this year, given the COVID situation, everything is on the table and there are exceptional circumstances to consider.

“There are no international games this year so Mal won’t be choosing an Australian team anyway.

“At this stage, we have had no approach from the Queensland Rugby League, but the door is open to a degree because there are no international games.”

The QRL was planning to unveil the first 10 members of its 27-man squad on Tuesday from clubs that did not make the NRL finals, but delayed the announcement as doubt hovers over Walters’ involvement.

What has become clear is the Broncos are facing their lowest Origin representation in the concept’s history after collecting this year’s wooden spoon.

Despite undergoing ankle surgery, injured back-rower David Fifita, who has signed with the Gold Coast Titans for 2021, was set to be the only player selected, with incumbents Corey Oates and Joe Ofahengaue facing the axe.

Rising forward Pat Carrigan is under consideration.