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Kevin Walters is moving to recruit Ben Te'o as Australia reshapes its coaching staff ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has identified former Brisbane assistant Ben Te'o as a leading target for his Rugby League World Cup coaching staff, as Australia prepares for the tournament later this year.
Te'o, who recently left the Broncos just three rounds into the new NRL season, has quickly become one of the most in-demand assistant coaches on the market. He had served as defensive coach under Michael Maguire and played a key role in Brisbane's premiership-winning campaign last year.
His departure followed reported tensions with Maguire, along with the club's decision to block his involvement with Queensland's State of Origin setup under Billy Slater. Speaking to Triple M, Te'o said he had not held recent talks with Slater and described himself as a free agent in coaching, while currently enjoying his media work.
Walters confirmed his interest in bringing Te'o into the national setup, noting their prior connection. Te'o played under Walters during his final NRL season in 2021 and later returned to the Broncos as part of Walters' coaching staff before the head coach's exit.
Australia's coaching group is set for change ahead of the World Cup, which begins in October. Walters is likely to lose both assistants from last year's Ashes series win over England. Willie Peters is expected to shift focus to his role with the PNG Chiefs after completing his club commitments, while Gorden Tallis' involvement with the Gold Coast Titans makes him ineligible under NRL rules governing national team appointments.
That leaves Te'o as a strong candidate, with Walters stating on Wide World of Sports that he is keen to formalise a role. He said Te'o was firmly in his plans and described him as a calm and capable young coach who would add value to the group.
Preparations for the World Cup, to be held across Australia and Papua New Guinea in October and November, are already underway, with Walters and team manager Tim Rutherford progressing their planning.
