Mal Meninga will lean into his Kangaroos’ contact book when it comes to picking players for the new Perth franchise, while also vowing to promote the west’s Indigenous sporting talent ahead of the Bears’ 2027 NRL arrival.
Meninga was on Friday officially unveiled as the new franchise’ head coach until the end of 2028, while vacating his Australian job he has held the past eight seasons.
Even at 64, Meninga said he was physically and mentally ready to re-enter the fulltime coaching world in clubland for the first time since finishing at Canberra in 2001. While successful stints with the Queensland Origin team and Kangaroos followed, Meninga bristled at suggestions he was nothing more than a “figurehead” for the Bears.
“That annoys me a little bit because they [critics] don’t understand the rep scene, they don’t understand what goes on, and how it’s the same as clubland where you’re building relationships, understanding people, and getting the best out of people,” Meninga said.
“I understand the enormity of it all, and I believe I’m up for it.”
The big question about Perth and for Meninga will be which players will be on the radar. The NRL will force them to wait until November 1 like all rival clubs before signing any players.
Storm pair Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen are off contract at the end of next year, although Cameron Munster, who is off in 2027, is one name that has already been linked to the Bears. Munster and Grant have played under Meninga with the Roos, while the coach worked with Papenhuyzen at the World Cup 9s.
Big Bear: Immortal Mal Meninga is the new Perth Bears’ coach Credit: Louise Kennerley/SMH
The prized signing would be Isaah Yeo, the four-time premiership winner at Penrith who was elevated to captain of Australia by Meninga last year.
“I love Isaah, I think he’s a great person and he’s a great leader and player, but I don’t think Penrith will let him go,” Meninga said.
“I’ve had a look at the list [of players off contract], but it’s more important we first try to understand the local community, and what type of characteristics and values [they want in players]. We have to work out what makes a Perth Bear.
“I’ve got relationships with those [Australian] players, but you have to go through their managers, and because I know someone doesn’t mean they’ll come.
“We’re talking about players in the top echelon players at their clubs; their clubs’ will make it a priority to keep those players.
“My role, and the role of the recruitment and retention team, will be providing those players a ‘why’ to come to Perth.”
The NRL appointed Anthony De Ceglie as CEO, Meninga as coach, and are expected to appoint a board in the coming weeks. The Bears’ black and red colours will remain, while the logo will be unveiled on Wednesday week when Origin II is played in Perth.
Mal Meninga has had to give up his Kangaroos’ postCredit: NRL Photos
Assistant coaches and general managers of football have already been interviewed by the NRL, including one of Meninga’s long-term assistants with the Australian team, Tristan Hay.
“I get along with Tristan, and hope we get him involved in some capacity,” Meninga said.
Because of the challenge of signing players from the east coast, Meninga will focus on Perth’s own backyard, including identifying Indigenous talent, especially with the number of First Nations players in rival code the AFL continuing to decline.
“Absolutely, they’re great athletes,” said Meninga, when asked about focusing on Indigenous youth.
“Regardless if they play league or not, we need to give them opportunities.
“Any young kid over in Perth, we’ll give them opportunity, and if they see pathways, if they see the development programs, they can see that opportunity to stay home and play for their club. Down the track, I don’t know how far down the track, but you want local kids participating in the NRL and doing really well.”
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