The NRL is expected to announce Mal Meninga as the inaugural head coach of the Perth Bears, a new expansion team set to join the league in 2027. Meninga, currently the Kangaroos coach, will step down from his national team role. His appointment aims to generate interest in Perth, a city that hasn't had an NRL team since 1997, despite the historical challenges faced by NRL expansion teams.
NRL poised to unveil Mal Meninga as Perth Bears’ inaugural coach
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The NRL is expected to announce Mal Meninga as the inaugural head coach of the Perth Bears, a new expansion team set to join the league in 2027. Meninga, currently the Kangaroos coach, will step down from his national team role. His appointment aims to generate interest in Perth, a city that hasn't had an NRL team since 1997, despite the historical challenges faced by NRL expansion teams.
Trending- 1 1982: NRL (or predecessors) began expanding out of Sydney.
- 2 1995: Auckland Warriors had a winning record in their first two seasons; Western Reds finished 11th.
- 3 1997: Western Reds folded; Super League War occurred.
- 4 2001: Mal Meninga's last club coaching role.
- 5 This week: NRL poised to unveil Mal Meninga as Perth Bears coach.
- 6 2027: Perth Bears to take the helm under Meninga.
- Meninga will step down from coaching the Kangaroos
- The Perth Bears will join the NRL in 2027
- Faces a tough challenge to make the team competitive given historical trends for expansion teams
What: Mal Meninga is poised to be unveiled as the inaugural head coach of the Perth Bears NRL team.
When: This week (unveiling expected), 2027 (Perth Bears to take helm), 2001 (Meninga's last club coaching role), 1997 (Western Reds folded, Super League War), 1995 (Auckland Warriors, Western Reds best finish), 1989 (Broncos playoff game), 1982 (NRL expansion began).
Where: Perth, Australia.
Why: To lead the new Perth Bears expansion team, generate interest in rugby league in an AFL-mad city, and make the team competitive despite historical challenges for expansion teams.
How: By appointing Mal Meninga, a high-profile and successful coach, who will relinquish his national team role.