Mal Meninga to lead Perth Bears, steps down as Kangaroos coach

Mal Meninga is set to be named the Perth Bears’ foundation coach by Friday, a move that will see him resign as Kangaroos coach.

The ARL Commission is preparing to announce the Bears’ historic first coach after an extensive search that saw Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess eliminated from contention. This clears the way for Meninga, who will lead the NRL’s 18th team as they enter the competition in 2027, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The NRL, which owns the Perth licence, has finalised financial terms with Meninga, and his representatives have discussed relocation clauses, strong signs that the NRL Immortal is on the verge of taking the job.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys is expected to confirm the appointment within 24 hours. If confirmed, the decision will require a new Test coach for Australia’s Ashes campaign, as the ARLC will not allow Meninga to hold both roles.

Meninga, who signed a new deal last year to stay with the Kangaroos through the 2026 World Cup, will step away after a nine-year reign to take on the Perth challenge. He could initially remain in Canberra to oversee player recruitment before the Bears are allowed to sign players from November 1.

“I am certainly interested in helping out in any way I can,” Meninga told The Daily Telegraph last week. “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.”