Isaah Yeo Endorses Kevin Walters as New Kangaroos Rugby League Coach

In a significant development for Australian rugby league, Isaah Yeo, captain of the Kangaroos, has publicly endorsed Kevin Walters as the next head coach of the national team. This announcement comes as the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) prepares to confirm Walters’ appointment, expected later this week. The endorsement follows the resignation of Mal Meninga, who stepped down after accepting a coaching position with the newly established Perth Bears. Yeo's support for Walters is particularly noteworthy given that he has not previously worked directly with the coach, whose tenure at the Brisbane Broncos ended in 2024 after a disappointing season.

Yeo stated, "You can see how much he meant to the players by talking to the Broncos' boys. If it wasn’t for Nathan Cleary killing it for 16 or 17 minutes, then he’d be a premiership-winning coach. Everyone I’ve spoken to has massive wraps on him." This sentiment reflects a broader appreciation for Walters in the rugby league community, particularly among former players.

Walters, who has a storied career, including leading Queensland to two State of Origin victories from 2016 to 2019, is now tasked with preparing the Kangaroos for the upcoming Ashes series against England. The first match is scheduled for October 25 at Wembley Stadium, marking a swift transition for Walters who will have only three months to prepare his squad.

The ARLC’s decision to appoint Walters is rooted in their policy against having club coaches take on national duties concurrently, a factor that influenced other candidates, including former New South Wales coach Brad Fittler, to withdraw from consideration. Yeo expressed relief that the coaching speculation would soon be resolved, allowing the team to focus on their strategy for the Ashes series. "It’s nice that it’s all done and sealed, and we can now get to planning what will hopefully be a successful series over there," Yeo said.

Walters’ coaching philosophy is marked by his emphasis on player welfare and team cohesion, attributes that have earned him respect in the rugby league community. His appointment, however, comes with challenges; he must quickly integrate into a national setup and devise strategies against a formidable English side.

Industry experts have noted that Walters’ prior experience, combined with the insights Yeo has gathered from his interactions with Broncos players, suggests a positive direction for the Kangaroos. Dr. Michael Smith, a sports management lecturer at the University of Queensland, commented, "Walters brings a wealth of experience and a unique understanding of player dynamics, which will be crucial for the Kangaroos' performance in the Ashes."

Furthermore, Walters’ ability to adapt to high-pressure environments, as seen during his tenure with the Broncos, may provide the tactical edge needed as the Kangaroos aim to reclaim their position at the top of international rugby league. In summary, as the ARLC finalizes Walters' appointment, both Yeo and the broader rugby league community appear optimistic about the future of the Kangaroos under his leadership.