Matt King in line to join Perth Bears coaching staff
A current NSW Blues coaching staff member has been sounded out about joining Mal Meninga’s coaching staff should the Queensland legend accept the inaugural job at the Perth Bears.
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Sydney Roosters assistant coach Matt King has been sounded out about joining Mal Meninga’s coaching staff should he accept the inaugural job at the Perth Bears.
King, in camp with the NSW Blues as an assistant to Laurie Daley, has been earmarked by good judges as a future NRL coach.
He may get the chance to do that should Meninga be formally appointed as the inaugural coach of the Bears and King accept a position on his staff, potentially with a view to becoming his successor down the track.
This masthead understands that the NRL is hopeful of making a formal announcement on the Perth Bears’ inaugural coach at the end of this week, although it is believed discussions are still ongoing with the candidates.
Meninga has emerged as the preferred option after indicating his interest in taking charge of the club when it enters the premiership in 2027.
A rugby league legend who is one of the game’s Immortals, Meninga was recently interviewed along with former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur and South Sydney legend Sam Burgess.
It is understood talks have advanced to the point of discussing financial terms and potential members of his coach staff.
King has one of the best resumes of any assistant coach in the game, having been part of the Roosters since 2017.
He was also a member of Michael Maguire’s staff with NSW last year as they secured a series win over Queensland.
The Roosters are believed to be aware of interest from the Bears. King admitted at the weekend that he was now at a point in his career where he would consider becoming a head coach should the right position become available.
“I am daydreaming about it more and more,” King told Triple M’s Sunday Sin Bin.
“A couple of years ago I was staunch - I was like no way I would ever do that. I turn 45 this year, I have done a big old apprenticeship.
“The love and joy the game gives me, I love it mate. To think that at some stage I might one the head coach of a footy program at a club that means something to me - I don’t want to be that coach that is interviewing for absolutely every club that pops up.
“To look at any club it has to be the right fit for me and my family. I will be patient, I will hold my cool and if the right opportunity pops up at the right club and it feels right, in all honesty I will probably have a crack at it.”
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