Australia to look for full-time coach with Mal Meninga a possible target

Australia have confirmed their next national coach will have to take on the role on a full-time basis as they look to arrest their slide down the rankings.

New Zealand have passed the Kangaroos to become world No 1 and Australia are also in danger of falling behind England if Steve McNamara's side can complete a series win over the touring Kiwis this month.

The NRL has responded by insisting the successor to Tim Sheens, who is now director of rugby at Super League side Salford, must be free of club and State of Origin ties.

That would appear to rule out Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy, who remain committed to Brisbane and Melbourne respectively for 2016, and pave the way for the appointment of Mal Meninga, who has has made it clear he would quit as Queensland's Origin coach to accept the national job.

Australian commission chairman John Grant admitted Australia's fall in the rankings was behind their move, with the Kangaroos keen not to spend long as world No 3, should that occur with another England win on Saturday.

"I am sure that does not sit well with any Australian Rugby League fans," Grant said.

"So we are going take the steps we believe are necessary to re-establish the Kangaroos as the number one team in the world.

"And, to do that, we have to re-establish the Kangaroos as the pinnacle representative honour in a player's career."

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said talks had already been held with several potential coaching candidates and further discussions would be held before a final selection was made.

"This is a huge boost for the Kangaroos," he said. "It means they will have a dedicated coach to help them become the best rugby league team in the world.

"The international game has never been more competitive ... and interest has never been so strong.

"So we are determined to make sure the Kangaroos are given every chance to win the Four Nations tournament next year and, ultimately, the World Cup in 2017."