EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould backs 'right choice' Brad Fittler to be new Kangaroos coach

Brad Fittler has got the support of league great Phil Gould if a race to land the top job of the Kangaroos is to open in the coming days.

Mal Meninga is poised to be announced the first Perth Bears coach, meaning he will step down from his Kangaroos duties immediately.

The hunt for a new Australian men's coach would be finalised quickly as the Kangaroos are scheduled to play an Ashes tour in late October.

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Several names have been floated to fulfil the role, including Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters, but Gould believes Fittler is the "right choice in waiting".

"He's done his time," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus.

"I think with the Australia job it is very, very handy if you have experience in and around the Australian camp situation.

"I think for those players who make that level of football... to have (a coach that's) been in and around what the Australian camp looks like, feels like, how it should be run, is hugely advantageous.

"(Fittler) has worked at all levels of representative football from the under 16s, 18s, forming the pathways for NSW. He is the one with the experience of those camps.

"I don't know if he wants it. If he wants it, I hope he gets it.

"I think it is a job that if someone asked you to do it you would probably say yes."

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Fittler confirmed on Nine's Freddy and the Eighth that he has not yet been contacted about taking on the head coaching job.

"At the moment there is no job because if Mal Meninga doesn't take the Perth job, he is (still) the Australian coach," Fittler said.

"Just for respect, I haven't considered it that much. No one has spoken to me directly.

"But to go over and be part of a Kangaroo tour that hasn't happened in 22 years would be awesome, it would be incredible."

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Gould also supported the possible appointment of Smith, who said on Nine's 100% Footy that he had not been approached about the possibility of taking on the job.

Still, if a decision is to be made soon, Gould believes Fittler will take priority.

"Cameron Smith down the track, he will get his turn as well," he said.

"I think if you go in order of qualification then Brad Fittler is well qualified to do the job."