Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins lands first national-team coaching role

Australia’s newest national team has handed Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins his debut coaching role. The ex-Wallaby joins Tony Cummins’ staff as the Socceroos rebuild ahead of World Cup 2026 on home soil.

What’s driving the decision?

Tony Cummins, the new head coach, has created a second national side to blood young talent. Cummins called the project “a bridge between club and country” after naming a 23-man squad for friendlies in July 2026. The side will feature A-League and overseas-based players who missed the recent Socceroos call-ups.

Last result: Colombia 3-0 Australia (2025-11-19). Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLLWW, most recent first); lost the last three.

Why the ‘Honey Badger’ tag?

Cummins earned the nickname for his fearless defence during his rugby career. Now 35, he retires from playing and steps straight into coaching. “I’m here to add energy and honesty,” he told reporters. The new team’s first camp starts on 18 July 2026 at Sydney’s Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

What’s next for Australia?

The side plays two friendlies in late July 2026: a clash with South Korea on the 23rd, then Japan on the 28th. Both games will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and SBS. The experiment aims to widen the talent pool before the World Cup draw in December 2026. Tony Cummins insists the move isn’t a distraction for the Socceroos, who are already in camp ahead of their own friendlies in Europe this September.