Mal Meninga is the new coach of the mighty Australian Kangaroos and will immediately stand down from his duties as mentor of the most famous Queensland team in State of Origin history according to reports.

The Courier Mail is reporting a press conference will be held on Thursday officially making the announcement.

Meninga’s current deal with the Maroons expired this week with QRL Chairman Peter Betros confirming his departure on Fox Sports.

The size of Meninga’s salary has been the sticking point as talks continued over the last few months with ARL Commissioner John Grant bumping up an original $150,000-a-year deal.

It’s the end of a golden era for the Maroons with Meninga at the helm of the most dominant rugby league team of the modern era.

Kevin Walters is the early front runner for the now vacated Queensland position according to The Courier Mail but The81stMinute can reveal that fellow five-eight and current Channel Nine personality Darren Lockyer will be contacted regarding availability.