n a stunning development just confirmed minutes ago, rugby league legend Mal Meninga has been officially appointed as the head coach of the newly established NRL franchise, the Perth Bears.
Meninga, a former Canberra Raiders coach and the long-serving mentor of the Australian Kangaroos, brings decades of experience and leadership to the expansion club. His appointment is a major coup for the Bears, who are set to enter the NRL in the 2026 season. Known for his towering presence in the sport—both as a player and coach—Meninga is expected to lay the foundation for what the club hopes will become a powerhouse in Western Australia.
The NRL officially welcomed the Perth Bears into the competition late last year as part of a strategic push to grow the game nationally. Bringing in Meninga is seen as a key part of ensuring the club hits the ground running.
“I’m incredibly excited to take on this new challenge,” Meninga said at a press conference in Perth. “Building a team from the ground up is a rare opportunity, and I look forward to shaping a culture of excellence, resilience, and community engagement here in WA.”
Meninga’s move signals a strong commitment by the Bears to be competitive from day one. Recruitment is already underway, with several experienced players rumored to be in talks to join the club.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo praised the appointment, stating, “There’s no better person to lead this club. Mal’s track record speaks for itself.”
As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, all eyes will be on Perth as Meninga starts assembling his squad and coaching team, ushering in a bold new chapter for rugby league in Australia.
