ARL Commission sound out Kevin Walters for Perth Bears role

After interviewing Brad Arthur and Mal Meninga, the NRL have now approached former Brisbane coach Kevin Walters as they look to appoint the first head coach of the Perth Bears.

Former Broncos grand-final mentor Kevin Walters has confirmed he has been sounded out for the Perth post as the battle to coach the Bears intensifies.

This masthead can reveal the NRL has made a secret approach to Walters, who has rocketed into the frame to take charge of the Perth Bears for their entry to the big league in 2027.

Walters has been added to a four-man shortlist that includes former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, Australia mentor Mal Meninga and Souths legend Sam Burgess.

Well-placed sources say Arthur remains the front-runner for the post after he and Meninga were formally interviewed by the NRL - which owns the Perth licence - on Thursday.

But Walters is now a legitimate contender.

Kevin Walters wants to coach again. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The ARL Commission is expected to announce the Perth Bears’ foundation coach within the week after assessing the candidacy of Arthur, Meninga, Walters and Burgess.

Walters confirmed this masthead’s report on Saturday, telling Fox Sports he is keen to return to NRL coaching after his four-season tenure at the Broncos.

“I have always said I am interested in coaching if something becomes available,” said Walters, now employed as a commentator for Fox Sports.

“I was happy to chat with the NRL about the role and what it involves.

“We will see where it takes us but it’s nice to be included in those conversations.

“I love working for Fox, but coaching is my passion.”

The existing 17 clubs were recently told at an expansion meeting that the NRL had a candidate for the Bears job lined up and that coach was said to have recent coaching experience.

That brings Walters into the picture given his recent experience at the NRL coaching coalface.

Walters has been back in commentary. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

The 57-year-old went within four minutes of winning a premiership for the club after steering Brisbane to the 2023 grand final, only for the Broncos to suffer a heartbreaking loss to the Panthers.

The Broncos legend then parted ways with the club last September after injury-ravaged Brisbane crashed out of finals contention last season with a 12th-placed freefall.

Walters won 50 of 99 games as Broncos coach and was the only mentor outside of Wayne Bennett to pilot the glamour club to a grand-final appearance.

‘Kevvie’ had also had success with the Queensland team, winning two Origin titles before standing down as Maroons coach to prepare for his return to Red Hill.

The NRL is keen for an experienced coach to head-up the code’s 18th team and Walters has the profile to hit the ground running with the Perth Bears.

Mal Meninga is also in the running. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Meninga, meanwhile, is an NRL Immortal with an enormous standing in the game and says he is keen to test himself again after coaching Canberra from 1997-2001.

Walters said the Perth Bears job has great appeal.

“Because of my passion for the game, a footprint in Perth excites me,” he said.

“Being part of setting a club up excites me.

“To make inroads in the AFL world over there (in WA), I like the decision by the NRL in going to Perth.

“I would love to be a part of it.

“I think I can make a difference.”

Just a fortnight ago, the Queensland Origin great was linked to the Titans as a possible successor to Des Hasler, but the Bears opportunity is real after Walters fielded a formal approach.