Kevin Walters announces decision to swap Kangaroos role for St Helens after Rugby League World Cup

Kevin Walters is set to finish as Australia’s coach after the Rugby League World Cup , with the Queensland legend to take over Super League powerhouse St Helens.

The Saints confirmed Walters as their new coach on a three-year deal on Thursday, with his contract to begin after the World Cup.

It means the ARL Commission are again on the look out for a new Kangaroos coach, having only signed Walters to a two-year deal earlier this year.

Walters had only ruled himself out of the running for the Queensland State of Origin job earlier this week, with both the Maroons and Kangaroos roles now open.

“St Helens are one of the most iconic and successful brands in rugby league,” Walters said in a statement.

“At the end of last year I was in England for the Ashes Series as the Kangaroos head coach.

“I witnessed first hand how tough, physical and skilful the English players were. I look forward to being a part of Super League in 2027 with the Saints.”

Walters’ appointment marks his return to full-time head coaching, after his controversial axing from Brisbane at the end of 2024.

He was brought in a short-term deal to coach the Kangaroos last year when Mal Meninga was appointed Perth’s coach, before being handed a longer contract in May.

The news he will leave after the World Cup comes less than two months out from Australia’s October 15 tournament opener against New Zealand.

St Helens had been on the lookout for a coach since Paul Rowley’s exit last month, with the Saints in seventh and two wins out of the finals with four games to play.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to the understanding and professionalism of Peter V’Landys and the ARL Commission in facilitating Kevin’s move to us,” Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said.

“Kevin’s vast experience at both club and representative levels is self-evident.

“His motivation to succeed with the task at hand was both clear and compelling to us, as shown by the major career sacrifices that he is making in Australia to join St Helens.