With the Eels dominating the NSWRFL during the first half of 1977, Kolc gained selection for the Australian national team in the 1977 Rugby League World Cup Final, his sole international game, becoming Kangaroo No.
After this, Kolc missed a number of games due to the return of his old ankle ligament problems,[9] but he came back – though lacking his old sharp pace – to play at halfback in the drawn grand final and replay against St.
Kolc suffered a four-match ban; but when new video evidence was supplied, the suspension was overturned[12] – an extreme rarity in the history of rugby league in Australia.
[13] The Eels’ under-21 team finished seventh in Kolc's only year in charge with nine wins and nine losses;[14] a satisfactory record but one of little significance because of the restructuring of the competition for the following season.
Kolc then obtained a place on the Eels’ board under long-time teammate Denis Fitzgerald, and remained there – ultimately becoming the president of the lucrative Leagues Club – until the fallout from two consecutive last-place finishes in 2012 and 2013 caused a complete shake-up.