Brad Arthur is another step closer to securing the head coaching role at the NRL’s 18th franchise

The wheels continue to move on the NRL’s 18th team with its likely coach another step closer to being confirmed.

The ARL Commission has told Brad Arthur he is the chosen one to coach the Perth-based Bears as the grand-final mentor moves a step closer to an NRL return.

This masthead can reveal an ARL Commission representative has held secret talks with Arthur to advise the former Parramatta coach he is the preferred candidate to take charge of the NRL’s 18th team in 2027.

It is understood the dialogue took place in recent months via a phone hook-up with Arthur, who is currently overseas in England coaching the Leeds Rhinos.

Brad Arthur has been given the tick of approval by the ARL Commission to coach the Bears. Picture: Jess Hornby/Getty Images

ARL Commissioners are aware Arthur, a former assistant to Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy, is the No. 1 target to coach the Bears.

The ARLC has not held formal negotiations with Arthur – nor has he signed any deal – but that process will take place once the NRL officially announces the Perth Bears as the code’s newest expansion franchise in the next fortnight.

The NRL clubs were informed at a meeting on Thursday that the ARL Commission had a coach lined up to take charge of the 18th team, although his identity was not disclosed.

That man, however, is Arthur, who has held informal talks with key powerbrokers for some time with a view to being appointed Bears coach subject to the final imprimatur of the ARLC, which will have full ownership of the Perth licence.

Well-placed sources say Arthur will be handed a multi-year deal of between three to five years.

Arthur is off-contract at season’s end and Leeds are keen to extend the 50-year-old, who was sacked by the Eels last May.

Arthur was sacked by the Eels in May 2024. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

But the ARL Commission has big plans for Arthur with the Bears and a longer-term deal would enable the veteran coach to hit the ground running from November this year to begin constructing Perth’s inaugural roster.

Arthur will effectively have 12 months to sign 36 players – 30 full-timers plus six development rookies – for the Perth-based Bears to start pre-season in November 2026 with a view to their premiership debut in 2027.

Arthur stressed he is fully committed to Leeds, but says he is open to coming home to resurrect his NRL coaching career and lead the Bears’ revival in Perth in 2027.

“Yes, I have interest in the Perth job,” Arthur told this masthead from England, where the Rhinos are currently sixth in the 12-team Super League.

“I have really loved my time in Leeds. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great club with a great history.

“The players and staff have been unreal and have helped me regain my confidence with my coaching.

“I’m still fully focused on my job here and will continue to give 100 per cent commitment to the club and playing group.

“It would be exciting to start from scratch building a new club (in Perth) if I was in consideration for the role.”

Other coaching candidates have included Bellamy, Jason Demetriou, Josh Hannay and Sam Burgess, but the NRL, which will control the Bears’ licence for the first five years, believes Arthur is the right fit.

Craig Bellamy was one of the candidates for the Bears’ job. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Arthur bought a property in Perth last November, another compelling sign the veteran coach of 264 NRL games is being lined up to call the shots at the Bears.

It can also be revealed the first chairman of the NRL’s 18th team will come from the West Australian side of the bid given that the Bears will be a state-backed club.

QRL boss and former North Sydney star Ben Ikin praised Arthur’s resume and said the inaugural Bears coach faced a heavy duty workload.

“Brad Arthur is obviously a very capable coach,” Ikin said.

“But anyone who takes this job will need to understand the extra promotional work required, this being a new franchise in an expansion market.”

Originally published as Brad Arthur is another step closer to securing the head coaching role at the NRL’s 18th franchise