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"Priority": Meninga admits Bears job would take precedence over Kangaroos
Sam Kosack • May 29th, 2025 8:01 pm
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has responded to rumours he will be removed from the Australian coaching job should he be appointed Perth Bears coach.
The Bears are slated to enter the competition in 2027, meaning they can begin recruiting players from November 1 this year.
This aligns with the Kangaroos second test in their Ashes series against England, meaning should Meninga be appointed the Bears top job, he’d be out of the country during the most important time for the new franchise.
Reports suggest Meninga would not coach the Kangaroos if he is made Perth’s inaugural coach so he could focus on building their roster.
Meninga refuted claims he had been appointed Bears coach but admitted it would take priority if he was given the position.
"It's a great opportunity to fulfill a passion and finish off on a legacy piece, you know so I am interested but there's a lot of rumors going around at the moment that totally aren’t true,” Meninga said on SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“It is sort of speculating, if he does take the gig, and the game wants me to do the gig over there, well then you've gotta look at who's gonna take the national squad.
“They've got a… major Ashes series over in England… so when you talk about putting teams together… that would be a priority if I do take the job.
“I haven’t (signed as Bears coach). That doesn’t mean to say I don’t want to coach and don’t want to be part of the growth of rugby league in WA.
“What I can tell you is that we’re having conversations around it all but nothing’s eventuated yet.
“It’s something I really would love to do."
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler, former Maroons coach Kevin Walters, and ex-Australian captain Cameron Smith have all been floated as potential replacements for Meninga.
Meninga has coached the Kangaroos since 2016 after leading the Maroons to a historic eight-straight State of Origin victories.
