Perth Bears coaching candidates: Craig Bellamy and John Cartwright lead list for NRL expansion team

One of rugby league’s greatest coaches has been linked with NRL’s likely 18th franchise, the Perth Bears, while two North Sydney legends are also in the mix. See the potential candidates.

NSW assistant coach John Cartwright is heading a growing list of possible coaching candidates for the Perth Bears job which includes Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy and former NSW coach Laurie Daley.

Other names being linked to the Bears include David Fairleigh, Matt King and Jason Taylor – all former North Sydney players.

Former Eels coach Brad Arthur has also been connected to the looming coaching opportunity in Western Australia.

Until the franchise is formally announced, which is expected to be later this year, no-one from the Bears or Perth will comment publicly on potential coaches.

Cartwright is the current assistant with the Blues and Brisbane Broncos and has signed a deal with English club Hull FC from next season.

A former Panthers champion player, Cartwright preferred not to comment when contacted about the possibility he could seek the Bears position.

Potential Perth Bears coaching candidates.

Cartwright’s only comment was: “I’m contracted to Hull for next season and am throwing everything I have into that job.”

Bellamy would certainly be an interesting option.

One of the greatest coaches of all time, Bellamy is under contract until the end of next season with Melbourne Storm.

At age 64 now, Bellamy may be reluctant to join a start-up franchise but there is also a line of thinking that he could enhance and advance his amazing reputation by succeeding at another club.

Daley is a former winning Blues coach but appears comfortable in his media role with the Big Sports Breakfast radio show.

Like Cartwright, King is a current Blues assistant coach also working at the Sydney Roosters. Taylor is a Bear legend and current assistant with Canterbury.

Farleigh is another former Norths champion now at the NRL.

Arthur hasn’t publicly announced any intention to coach Perth but friends claim he would be more than keen on moving to WA to continue his coaching career.

Sacked by Parramatta in May, Arthur has accepted a short-term job as head coach of Leeds Rhinos in England.

Some of these possible candidates may be viewed as Perth assistant coaches.

The Bears will be chasing a senior coach to ensure a solid first-up playing roster when the team is expected to enter the NRL in either 2027 or 2028.

PNG and New Zealand south island should complete a 20-team competition in coming years.

All three franchises have watched Wayne Bennett give the Dolphin instant success and credibility at Redcliffe.