League: Mal Meninga named Kangaroos coach until end of 2019

Mal Meninga has been appointed Australian coach until the end of 2019. Photo/Getty.

Mal Meninga has been named coach of the Australian rugby league team.

Meninga takes over from long-serving Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens on a four-year deal, which runs until the end of 2019.

"For the players, it is the ultimate privilege to the wear the colours of your country, and it is something that they all aspire to," Meninga said.

"For me, it's always been something I've wanted to do. It is truly an honour to be in this position, as the new coach of the Kangaroos."

Meninga's appointment was also made with the support of current Queensland and Australian captain Cameron Smith.

"I couldn't think of a coach more suited to this role, given Mal's achievements as a former Kangaroos captain and his understanding of what representing Australia means," Smith said.

"He has a proven record at representative level, as well as a tremendous ability to help his players perform at the highest level."

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said the appointment was the first move towards winning the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

The announcement was made at Rugby League Central in Moore Park today and brings an end to Meninga's record-breaking reign as Queensland coach with long-time Kevin Walters expected to be named Maroons mentor.

- AAP