Updated May 15, 2026 — 6:21pm , first published May 12, 2026 — 3:58pm

NRL legend Kevin Walters will coach Australia at this year’s Rugby League World Cup after signing a two-year contract extension.

In the week Penrith master mentor Ivan Cleary revealed aspirations to become a representative coach, the Australian Rugby League Commission ensured Walters would hold one of rugby league’s top jobs through June 2028.

Kevin Walters coached the Kangaroos to a clean sweep in last years Ashes series. NRL Photos

He will preside over Australia’s World Cup tilt this year, as well as the post-NRL season Pacific Championships slated for 2027.

The NRL is likely to announce more international fixtures for the two years before his contract expires.

Walters’ tenure began with a 3-0 Ashes clean sweep of England last Spring and had initially been up after June this year.

He had been handed the job on a short-term basis given Mal Meninga’s appointment as Perth’s inaugural coach forced the long-term boss to immediately…