The NRL’s new Perth team sign footy legend Mal Meninga to fill their most important job

• The Perth Bears will enter the competition in 2027 
• Will be led by star who has done everything in the sport 

By GEORGE CLARKE FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS and SHAYNE BUGDEN FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

The Perth Bears hope the presence of Mal Meninga will give the NRL’s 18th team immediate cut-through in an AFL-dominated city after unveiling the Immortal as the head coach of the start-up franchise.

At a press conference in Sydney on Friday, Meninga was locked in as the Bears’ inaugural coach on a three-year deal.

It is his first foray into club coaching in more than 25 years.

Meninga has dropped his role as coach of the Australian Test team ahead of an end-of-season Ashes tour.

The 64-year-old will now set about building a competitive roster for the Bears’ first NRL season in 2027.

‘This is one of the most exciting challenges of my career,’ Meninga said.

Mal Meninga is 64 and last led a club side 24 years ago, but he was still an obvious choice as the first coach of the Perth Bears

Meninga is pictured with Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie at the announcement on Friday

Big Mal’s new position means one of Australian footy’s most prestigious jobs, the role of Kangaroos coach, is now wide open

‘To have the opportunity to take our great game back to Western Australia to start a new team and to bring with it a much-loved rugby league community and heritage brand in the Bears.

‘It’s a great privilege and responsibility I’ve been given to be one of the leaders in the formation of the club.

‘I’m looking forward getting to stuck into the work that needs to be done to deliver a team that represents WA and is competitive from day one.’

Meninga has built a terrific resume working as a representative coach with the Kangaroos, Queensland and Papua New Guinea, but hasn’t worked at club level since he left the Canberra Raiders in 2001.

His move to Perth leaves the job of Kangaroos coach wide open.

One of the most prestigious titles in Australian rugby league, it’s sure to attract some of the biggest names in the sport. 

Former Kangaroos skipper and NRL legend Brad Fittler has already been connected to the role, with Channel Nine commentator and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould throwing his weight behind ‘Freddy’.

‘[Fittler] has worked at all levels of representative football from the under 16s, 18s, forming the pathways for NSW. He is the one with the experience of those camps.

‘I don’t know if he wants it. If he wants it, I hope he gets it.’

Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters and ex-Kangaroos captain and Storm icon Cameron Smith have also been mentioned as possibilities.  

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The NRL’s new Perth team sign footy legend Mal Meninga to fill their most important job

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