In a landmark move for Australian rugby league, Mal Meninga has been appointed as the inaugural head coach of the Perth Bears, the NRL’s 18th franchise set to debut in the 2027 season. This appointment marks Meninga’s return to club-level coaching after more than two decades, having last coached the Canberra Raiders from 1997 to 2001.

Meninga, a rugby league Immortal, steps down from his role as head coach of the Australian national team, the Kangaroos, a position he has held since 2016. During his tenure, he led the Kangaroos to two Rugby League World Cup victories and maintained an impressive record of 26 wins from 29 Tests.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Meninga stated, “To have the opportunity to take our great game back to Western Australia to start a new team, and to bring with it a much-loved rugby league community and heritage brand in the Bears, is one of the most exciting challenges of my career.” 

The Perth Bears, reviving the legacy of the North Sydney Bears, will don the traditional red and black colors and play their home games at Perth Rectangular Stadium.  The team’s establishment follows a $65.6 million agreement with the Western Australian government, aiming to bolster rugby league’s presence in the AFL-dominated region. 

NRL Chairman Peter V’landys praised Meninga’s appointment, describing him as “the ideal man to lead the game to a new frontier,” highlighting his unparalleled success and leadership qualities. 

As the Bears prepare for their inaugural season, Meninga faces the formidable task of building a competitive team from the ground up. Speculation has already begun regarding potential player signings, with names like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nicho Hynes being mentioned as possible targets to spearhead the new franchise. 

Meninga’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to establish a strong foundation for the Perth Bears, aiming to make a significant impact in the NRL and expand the game’s reach in Western Australia.