Top Aussie coach 'interested for sure' in England job

The 46-year-old, who played at South Sydney and St George Illawarra in his NRL days before being an assistant coach at Manly, South Sydney and Newcastle, is among the leading candidates for the position following the departure of Shaun Wane last month.

Peters led Hull KR to the treble of Super League, league leaders' shield and Challenge Cup last season. 

"Yes, I'm interested for sure. Certainly we should have conversations but when that happens, if it happens, I don't know," said the Sydneysider, who also had playing spells in England with Gateshead, Wigan and Widnes.

"I've been over here for a long time. I've been a player and a coach. I understand the game." 

Wane stood down following England's 3-0 defeat to Australia in last autumn's Ashes. 

Peters was part of the Kangaroos backroom staff during that series and, from what he saw, still believes England have the basis of a side that can challenge in the World Cup later this year back in his homeland. 

"I'm honest in terms of how I think we can all grow the game here and develop it and I don't think England are too far off," he said. 

"The area, I believe, that needs work is around that spine. England's never had any problems with completing, passion and effort, that type of thing. 

"As long as they maintain that, then they'll put themselves in a position to have a successful World Cup." 

The Rugby Football League has indicated that the role of national team coach will revert to being a part-time position, allowing someone to take it up alongside club commitments. 

Peters, whose Hull KR side will take on NRL champs Brisbane Broncos in the Wolrld Club Challenge on February 19, said: "If that's the way they're going to go, then there will certainly be some coaches putting their hands up." 

The 2026 World Cup takes place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November.

Australian Associated Press