The Perth Bears hope the presence of Mal Meninga will give the NRL's 18th team immediate cut-through in an AFL-dominated city after unveiling the Immortal as the head coach of the start-up franchise.
At a press conference in Sydney on Friday, Meninga was locked in as the Bears' inaugural coach on a three-year deal.
It is his first foray into club coaching in more than 25 years.
Meninga has renounced his role as coach of the Australian Test team ahead of an end-of-season Ashes tour.
The 64-year-old will now set about building a competitive roster for the Bears' first NRL season in 2027.
"This is one of the most exciting challenges of my career," Meninga said.
"To have the opportunity to take our great game back to Western Australia to start a new team and to bring with it a much-loved rugby league community and heritage brand in the Bears.
"It's a great privilege and responsibility I've been given to be one of the leaders in the formation of the club.
"I'm looking forward getting to stuck into the work that needs to be done to deliver a team that represents WA and is competitive from day one."
Meninga has built a terrific resume working as a representative coach with the Kangaroos, Queensland and Papua New Guinea, but hasn't worked at club level since he left the Canberra Raiders in 2001.
Related News
27 Jun, 2025
"That is unquestionable," - Phil Mickels . . .
21 May, 2025
Trade tariffs bite: Japan's exports to t . . .
29 Jun, 2025
How to Watch USWNT vs. Ireland: Live Str . . .
17 Apr, 2025
On The Up: Alan Bayly celebrates 40 year . . .
08 Jul, 2025
22-Yo Luis Masaveu to replace Bubba Wats . . .
16 Aug, 2025
Who is Gurleen Kaur? Meet the 25-yo maki . . .
28 Jul, 2025
Visiting Hokkaido’s adorable and awesome . . .
18 Mar, 2025
An Se-young wins All England Open