Mal Meninga to coach World All Stars

Mal Meninga will coach the World All Stars team at the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match in Newcastle on February 10.

Meninga takes on the role after previous World All Stars coach Wayne Bennett expressed his desire earlier this year to step down from the coaching position to concentrate on his Brisbane Broncos and Rugby League World Cup commitments in 2017.

Meninga, who led the Kangaroos in securing the world number one Rugby League ranking again after winning the Four Nations tournament last month, said he was looking forward to the opportunity to coach some of the best players in the world.

"I thought the concept of a World All Stars team was a terrific step forward for the match when it was introduced this year," Meninga said.

"The camaraderie not only between the Australian players, but also amongst the players from competing nations during the Four Nations was very evident and I know from speaking with the players that the All Stars match is one of the highlights of the year.

"Wayne continues to be a tremendous advocate for this game and in particular, what it stands for.  I will be taking his legacy forward and I encourage as many Indigenous and non-Indigenous fans to get to the game in Newcastle next February."

Meninga will join Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley in Sydney next week as the two coaches name their teams to go head-to-head at Hunter Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Friday February 10.

Further information on the teams' announcement will follow next week.

Tickets for the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match are available at www.nrl.com/tickets.

 

Author: 
Loopsports