Mal Meninga has been named World All Stars coach after Wayne Bennett announced he had stepped down from the role.
Bennett relinquished the reins to concentrate on NRL club Brisbane and England's 2017 World Cup preparation.
Kangaroos coach Meninga will go head-to-head with his former NSW Origin foe, Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley, at the All Stars match in Newcastle on February 10.
"Wayne Bennett expressed his desire earlier this year to step down from the coaching position to concentrate on his Brisbane Broncos and Rugby League World Cup commitments in 2017," a statement said.
Kangaroos coach Meninga looked forward to his latest challenge after steering Australia to Four Nations glory and the world No.1 ranking.
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"I thought the concept of a World All Stars team was a terrific step forward for the match when it was introduced this year," Meninga said of the team formerly known as the NRL All Stars.
"Wayne continues to be a tremendous advocate for this game and, in particular, what it stands for.
"I will be taking his legacy forward and I encourage as many indigenous and non-indigenous fans to get to the game."
