Mal-not-content with top job

Queensland legend Mal Meninga is unlikely to replace Ricky Stuart as coach of the Australian Kangaroos. To do so would require Meninga to accept a $100,000 pay cut and relinquish his position as coach of the Queensland Maroons.

Meninga recently negotiated a new deal as head coach with the Queensland Origin side for $120,000, plus up to $20,000 in bonuses, for every year until 2011 - essentially $40,000 per game. It's understood the Kangaroos coaching job in 2008 earned Stuart appproximately $26,000 which included match payments and winning bonuses for this year's Centenary Test and World Cup matches.

The Australian Rugby League has a policy of not appointing state coaches to the Australian role. In responding to the gulf in payments between state and country, ARL board member John McDonald said the Australian coaching position is "a prestige thing."

Other Aussie coaches under consideration include Gold Coast Titans head coach John Cartwright and South Sydney Rabbitohs assistant coach John Lang, although it's understood Lang has already rejected the suggestion.