Sam Burgess and Mal Meninga the leading candidates to coach Perth Bears

The NRL’s newest team could field an all-star coaching duo with Sam Burgess and Mal Meninga a chance to share the top job at the Perth Bears.

Mal Meninga and Sam Burgess have emerged as front-runners for the Perth Bears coaching job.

Brad Arthur was once considered the frontrunner to lead the side but there has been growing speculation that the NRL may opt for a Meninga and Burgess combination.

Officials were adamant no decision had been made and conversations were ongoing as they close in on making the crucial appointment.

L-R) Sam Burgess, Brad Arthur and Mal Meninga

Kangaroos coach Meninga has made it clear he wants to coach in the NRL again having last taken charge of the Raiders in 2002. Since then though he has had a decorated coaching stint at Queensland and Australia.

“I am certainly interested in helping out in any way I can,” Meninga said recently. “My time coaching at Canberra was a long time ago but I’ve stayed in touch with Queensland and Australian teams and I know the current players.

“It would be great to be part of an expansion team, whether that’s Perth or PNG, as both regions have great potential if we get the pathways right.”

The Bears also interviewed ex-Broncos coach Kevin Walters however he remains an outsider for the position.

Burgess is coaching in Warrington but has a long held desire to become an NRL head coach.

Originally published as Sam Burgess and Mal Meninga the leading candidates to coach Perth Bears