Rugby league legend Mal Meninga has been appointed the new coach of the Australian Kangaroos after an announcement was made on Thursday morning.

Meninga replaces Tim Sheens in the role and go to work immediately in preparing the Kangaroos for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

“Mal’s work with us starts today so it is a very important day for the Kangaroos,” Head of Football Todd Greenberg said.

“Our aim is to win the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 and the job officially begins now.

“Mal’s reputation as a player and as a coach, and also as a figure in our game, is second-to-none.

“This is an incredibly exciting appointment for the Kangaroos.

“We feel that Mal’s appointment will ensure that playing for the Kangaroos is the pinnacle of a player’s career, which is the way it should be.

“The progression of Mal from one of the most successful Queensland coaches ever to the Australian coaching position is an appropriate one for the game.

“Playing for the Kangaroos should be the greatest honour a player can have and Mal will no doubt bring that mentality to the squad.”

Meninga said there would be an emphasis on not only the Test team but the development squads too.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to improve the Kangaroos program, developing emerging and high-performance players including the Junior Kangaroos and Australian Schoolboys along the way,” Meninga said.