Mal Meninga has entered the race to become the first head coach of the Perth Bears, in a dramatic twist to the formation of the NRL’s 18th franchise.
The Kangaroos boss has confirmed he’s seriously weighing up the opportunity, just a week after the NRL formally announced the Bears would join the competition in 2027. Meninga’s interest comes despite Brad Arthur being widely regarded as the frontrunner for the role.
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“I spoke to Mal this arvo and he’s very interested in the job,” journalist Brent Read revealed on NRL 360. “He said, ‘Look, this is a serious consideration for me if I’m in mix for that job’.”
Arthur leads, but Meninga’s star power looms large
Arthur, who is currently with Leeds Rhinos after his 2024 exit from Parramatta, has been closely linked with the Perth role for months. Warrington’s Sam Burgess is also reportedly in the frame, but Meninga’s sudden entry could shake up the process.
At 64, Meninga remains a powerful figure in rugby league. He led Australia to the 2022 World Cup title and coached Queensland to eight consecutive State of Origin triumphs. However, according to Read, he’s prepared to walk away from the national job if Perth comes calling.
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“I think he would inevitably give that away,” Read said. “If it meant he got the Perth Bears head coaching job, I think Mal would reluctantly stand down from the Australian job. That was the impression I got.”
The NRL is expected to announce the Bears’ coach, CEO, and a seven-person board in the coming weeks. With the league keen to make a splash in AFL-heavy Western Australia, Meninga’s name recognition could give him the edge.
As Phil Rothfield put it on NRL 360: “I think, like the Dolphins, we need a high-profile figurehead to launch a project in Perth... and I think Mal, provided he had the right team around him, would probably be the preferred choice.”