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Sport Nation
Meninga addresses Bears role and future with Kangaroos
Emily Benammar • June 5th, 2025 2:14 pm
Mal Meninga has addressed reports he has signed on as the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears.
Speaking exclusively on SEN The Throwdown, Meninga said negotiations are close to being finalised but it is yet to be discussed if he will walk away form his role as Australia coach.
The Bears are set to join the league in 2027.
"It's close," he said on SENQ. "Negotiations have been great but at this stage we are near finalisation, but there are still a few things we need to sort out.
"I'm very keen on doing the job."
When asked if he would be stepping away from his role as Kangaroos coach, Meninga added: "That's a discussion that hasn't taken place, that will be part of the conversation.
"I'm not sure where that is going to land at the moment. It hasn't been discussed.
"I believe I can be involved (in both jobs). I think it will be addressed in the next day or two.
"We have worked to get things up to speed, we have a strong cultural piece in the Kangaroos, but if I have to give up the gig I'd like to be part of the handover process.
"If I take the bears job I'd like to be part of the transition process with the new coach."
Australia are scheduled to play an Ashes test against England in October and November this year before they defend their World Cup title in 2026.
So, with a coach almost in place, questions turn to which players may be the first to signal their intent to head west.
Andrew Voss suggested that Nicho Hynes or Ryan Papenhuyzen could be the ones to make the move tempting for others.
“First day of the job he must be doing up a shortlist. The first signing for Perth, they have to attack from two ways, youth and the big star or someone with star potential.
“They’re not getting Cleary but I’m thinking someone like Papenhuyzen.
“Then there’s Hynes, what if Cronulla fall short this year and decide Nicho won’t take us to the promised land. He would be valuable at fullback for the Bears, he could be their first captain.
“I think they could be in the mix.”
__The Throwdown with Mal Meninga – LIVE Thursday at midday – on SEN 1170am and the SEN app __text in italic
