Wallabies captain gives verdict on Les Kiss’ arrival ahead of double Japan clash
Wallabies captain gives verdict on Les Kiss' arrival ahead of double Japan clash
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has revealed the impact new head coach Les Kiss has had on the squad as they prepare for the first of their two matches against Japan.
Kiss arrived in camp recently and has had limited time to make an impact, but his captain has already noticed a change within the squad.
“It’s been really exciting for us,” Wilson told the press on Thursday.
“He’s had such good energy coming in, and you can see his excitement and just his passion to be coaching his country. I know all the boys have loved that. They have really jumped on that passion, and he is enabling everyone to be themselves and be happy.”
Wilson has retained his captaincy under Kiss, but knows that the title doesn’t guarantee him a starting spot.
“Even when you are captain, you’ve got to be performing day to day. You’re performing at the weekend to hold that position,” he explained.
“So for me, with my mindset, nothing really changes because it’s all about earning it the next week through performance, through leadership, on and off the field.”
The 26-year-old, who was first made captain in 2024, has revealed that earning the new coach’s trust has filled him with confidence.
“I really appreciated it when Les gave me the call and asked if I wanted to stay on. Because it’s a new coach and if he wanted to go in a different direction, I wouldn’t have got in his way because it is his team,” he said.
“So he definitely gave me a little bit more confidence walking here, knowing I am the leader and I’ve got a lead from the start. But in saying that, nothing really changes. I’ve got to last the test.”
Kiss reveals Zac Lomax is still in the picture
Another player looking to earn the head coach’s affections is rugby league convert Zac Lomax. Although Lomax has recently agreed to join the PNG Chiefs from the 2028 season, Kiss hasn’t ruled out a brief stint with the Wallabies before his exit. The World Cup is just over the horizon, and the talented winger could be a very real option with a few more matches under his belt.
“He’s hungry to try and do what he can in the game,” Kiss revealed. “He’s in the system, and I’ve spoken to Simon [Cron] on this assignment as well. He’s keen to get him back. He’s getting closer to being ready and will unleash him in Super AUS to get a few games to see where he is.
“He wants to find out where he is as well, and he’s going to go gung-ho for it. I know that. So he’s in the picture as they all are. It’s a competitive position, though, and that’s the important thing. But if he comes really good, it makes it hard to make some selections there, which I need. I need it to be tough to make those selections.
“I’ve got a lot of good men in the back three, but if he gets better and better and puts pressure on those guys to be better, then I’m all for it.”
