Mal Meninga emerges as a shock contender to coach NRL’s newest franchise

The Perth Bears’ coaching job may not be all Brad Arthur’s with Mal Meninga saying he’d give ‘serious consideration’ towards throwing his hat in the ring.

Kangaroos’ coach Mal Meninga is a shock contender to lead Perth Bears. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has emerged as a shock contender for the Perth Bears coaching job.

This masthead understands that Meninga has made his interest known with NRL powerbrokers over the prospect of moving to Perth and taking charge of the new franchise in preparation for their entry to the NRL in 2027.

Meninga is one of the greatest players in the game’s history and has an unrivalled record as coach of the Australian team, having led the team to World Cup success only three years ago.

As much as he loves coaching the national side, it is understood Meninga still has an itch to scratch in clubland.

Mal Meninga could be a new candidate for the Perth Bears’ coaching job. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

The Perth job has appeal and Meninga confirmed he would be interested in taking charge.

“I’m really happy with the Australian gig but there are opportunities out there and it’s something I would give serious consideration to,” Meninga said.

Meninga’s interest in the job adds a fresh level of intrigue to the race for the coveted position.

Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, now coaching in England with Leeds, is regarded as the frontrunner for the job, having been nominated as the preferred candidate.

However, South Sydney legend Sam Burgess, currently coaching Warington in Super League, is also in the mix after expressing his interest in the job.

Meninga has now given the NRL a headache as they mull over who should be given the reins to lead Perth into their inaugural season.

Even Burgess, an icon in both England and Australia, struggles to match Meninga’s standing in the game.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga could lead the Perth Bears. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images.

Meninga is one of the game’s 13 Immortals and such is his stature, he would give the Perth franchise instant gravitas.

Meninga has also shown through his work with Australia that building cultures is one of his greatest strengths. That would no doubt appeal to the NRL given the need to nail the culture from day one as they attempt to secure a foothold in Western Australia, where the AFL is the dominant sport.

Burgess has strengths of his own given Super League and rugby union – two areas of expertise for the crosscode star – are likely to be two destinations for the Perth franchise as they look to flesh out their playing squad.

The left-field option would be for the NRL to explore whether they can have the best of both worlds with Meninga and Burgess working alongside each other as part of a succession plan for the Perth Bears.

Originally published as Mal Meninga emerges as a shock contender to coach NRL’s newest franchise