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Sport Nation
The main candidates and smokey for the Perth Bears job
Charles Goodsir • May 13th, 2025 1:16 pm
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has revealed the potential candidates in line to become the inaugural Perth Bears coach when the team enters the NRL in 2027.
Former Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur was an early contender but News Corp’s Brent Read revealed on Monday that rugby league immortal and current Australian Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga is in the mix.
Riccio was adamant that the NRL’s 18th franchise needed a big rugby league personality in order to legitimise the team to West Australians but to also generate headlines the moment the coach is appointed.
“The Perth Bears need a flag-bearer,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“They need to say that we are the new team in town. Mal Meninga gives an immediate presence.
“He is an absolute icon and ornament to rugby league. Whilst Mal may not be a full blow, Xs and Os, seven days a week coach, the key will be who the assistant coach is.
“He is an absolute icon and ornament to rugby league. Whilst Mal may not be a full blow, Xs and Os, seven days a week coach, the key will be who the assistant coach is.
“It may be similar to what we saw at the Dolphins where Wayne Bennett was the figurehead and Kristian Woolf was always the understudy that would take over.
“Something like that can be done and I think Sam Burgess is the obvious choice.
“There’s a smokey and it’s (Hull KR coach) Willie Peters and there is increasing belief that he has the stocks and goods to be an NRL coach.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he was a candidate for the understudy.
“With Sam Burgess and potentially Wayne Bennett, you’d have some serious pulling power.
“I don’t think they’ll struggle to get players to head over to WA but they’ve got to get a roster going quickly.
“The (coaching appointment) needs to be made today. It needs to be made yesterday.
“In the context of building a team and a roster for when they are ready to run on the field, they need to get moving.
“There is so much work to be done.”
