Mal Meninga, a prominent figure in Australian rugby league, has been announced as the first head coach of the newly established Perth Bears, set to join the NRL as its 18th team in 2027. The announcement was made during a press conference at NRL headquarters on Friday morning, where Meninga’s appointment was celebrated.
Meninga, who has an illustrious career as a player with the Raiders, Maroons, and Kangaroos, was chosen for the role over notable candidates such as Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess. This significant appointment means that Meninga will step down from his position as coach of the Australian national team, which requires a successor to be named ahead of the upcoming Ashes series in October.
The Perth Bears are set to make their debut in the NRL in a few years, and under Meninga’s leadership, they aim to make a strong impact in the competition. Further updates regarding the team’s development and Meninga’s plans are expected to follow in the coming weeks.