Wayne Bennett has not ruled out returning as Kangaroos coach but admits he is not waiting by the phone for the call.
Off-contract Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is feeling the heat after New Zealand's 26-12 Test win on Sunday, marking the first time in more than 60 years the Kiwis have beaten Australia in three straight games.
Queensland's Mal Meninga and Melbourne Storm mentor Craig Bellamy had been considered early favourites to take over the Kangaroos' reins ahead of the 2017 World Cup.
However, Meninga would have to cut his Maroons ties to do so as no Origin coach can double as Kangaroos mentor under NRL rules.
Bennett did not rule himself out of Kangaroos contention but did not exactly talk himself up as a candidate.
"You never say no but I don't see it happening," said Bennett whose last stint as Australian coach was in 2005.
"I am not sitting by the phone waiting for the call."
Still, Bennett believed Test rugby league was the sport's pinnacle despite Origin's ever growing popularity.
"Origin is important to a lot of players but they still want to play for their country," he said.
"And the Kiwis will bring that (Test's significance) back.
"They've won the Four Nations and this game here - we are not the top dog right now.
"We've got to lift it to another level."
Bennett backed the NRL policy that Origin coaches could not be considered for Kangaroos duty.
"I don't know if they should have a law for that - it's called common-sense," Bennett smiled.
"It doesn't work, it shouldn't happen.
"Particularly in this era of football.
"There is a fair rivalry between the two states - it's probably at the height right now."
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