Meninga gets key endorsement as Perth Bears coach
Queensland Rugby League boss and former North Sydney star Ben Ikin has endorsed Australia mentor Mal Meninga as a prime candidate for the Perth Bears coaching job.
AAP has been told the ARL Commission is investigating the concept of a Meninga and Sam Burgess duo as the coaching team for the new expansion club to enter the NRL in 2027.
AAP revealed this month Burgess would put his hand up for the Bears gig, which the current Warrington coach and 2014 South Sydney title winner later confirmed.
Meninga and Burgess are regarded as a co-coaching pair that have both gravitas and charisma to steer the Perth side in an AFL-dominated state.
Three-time title winning Canberra star Meninga won nine out of 10 State of Origin series in charge as coach of the Maroons before steering the Kangaroos to two World Cup wins.
Ikin, one of the game's most influential voices, said Meninga's presence in Perth would be a godsend.
"Mal is a great leader," Ikin said.
"The success he's had with the Maroons is a testament to that. He knows how to create a great environment and knows how to sell the game and stand for something publicly.
"The Bears are going to need that in Perth."
Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur was initially the front-runner after he was interviewed by the former consortium that was ultimately rejected by the NRL.
However, the end result has not daunted the former star's spirits.
"I would say the game is in a pretty fortunate position if you look at the short list," Ikin said.
"Mal Meninga, Kevin Walters, Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess . Each of those guys are top quality individuals who offer something different. Most pleasing for me is not only that Mal has put up his hand, but he is on the short list with classy coaches."
Former Brisbane coach Walters told AAP on Sunday he had also been sounded out about the job.
"I have always said that coaching is my passion. I love coaching," Walters told AAP.
"It was just a chat. I'm serious about it. I haven't been offered the job. It was just informal discussions about whether I would be interested.
"I am (a career coach). It is in the blood. It has always been in the blood."
Queensland Rugby League boss and former North Sydney star Ben Ikin has endorsed Australia mentor Mal Meninga as a prime candidate for the Perth Bears coaching job.
AAP has been told the ARL Commission is investigating the concept of a Meninga and Sam Burgess duo as the coaching team for the new expansion club to enter the NRL in 2027.
AAP revealed this month Burgess would put his hand up for the Bears gig, which the current Warrington coach and 2014 South Sydney title winner later confirmed.
Meninga and Burgess are regarded as a co-coaching pair that have both gravitas and charisma to steer the Perth side in an AFL-dominated state.
Three-time title winning Canberra star Meninga won nine out of 10 State of Origin series in charge as coach of the Maroons before steering the Kangaroos to two World Cup wins.
Ikin, one of the game's most influential voices, said Meninga's presence in Perth would be a godsend.
"Mal is a great leader," Ikin said.
"The success he's had with the Maroons is a testament to that. He knows how to create a great environment and knows how to sell the game and stand for something publicly.
"The Bears are going to need that in Perth."
Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur was initially the front-runner after he was interviewed by the former consortium that was ultimately rejected by the NRL.
However, the end result has not daunted the former star's spirits.
"I would say the game is in a pretty fortunate position if you look at the short list," Ikin said.
"Mal Meninga, Kevin Walters, Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess . Each of those guys are top quality individuals who offer something different. Most pleasing for me is not only that Mal has put up his hand, but he is on the short list with classy coaches."
Former Brisbane coach Walters told AAP on Sunday he had also been sounded out about the job.
"I have always said that coaching is my passion. I love coaching," Walters told AAP.
"It was just a chat. I'm serious about it. I haven't been offered the job. It was just informal discussions about whether I would be interested.
"I am (a career coach). It is in the blood. It has always been in the blood."
Queensland Rugby League boss and former North Sydney star Ben Ikin has endorsed Australia mentor Mal Meninga as a prime candidate for the Perth Bears coaching job.
AAP has been told the ARL Commission is investigating the concept of a Meninga and Sam Burgess duo as the coaching team for the new expansion club to enter the NRL in 2027.
AAP revealed this month Burgess would put his hand up for the Bears gig, which the current Warrington coach and 2014 South Sydney title winner later confirmed.
Meninga and Burgess are regarded as a co-coaching pair that have both gravitas and charisma to steer the Perth side in an AFL-dominated state.
Three-time title winning Canberra star Meninga won nine out of 10 State of Origin series in charge as coach of the Maroons before steering the Kangaroos to two World Cup wins.
Ikin, one of the game's most influential voices, said Meninga's presence in Perth would be a godsend.
"Mal is a great leader," Ikin said.
"The success he's had with the Maroons is a testament to that. He knows how to create a great environment and knows how to sell the game and stand for something publicly.
"The Bears are going to need that in Perth."
Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur was initially the front-runner after he was interviewed by the former consortium that was ultimately rejected by the NRL.
However, the end result has not daunted the former star's spirits.
"I would say the game is in a pretty fortunate position if you look at the short list," Ikin said.
"Mal Meninga, Kevin Walters, Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess . Each of those guys are top quality individuals who offer something different. Most pleasing for me is not only that Mal has put up his hand, but he is on the short list with classy coaches."
Former Brisbane coach Walters told AAP on Sunday he had also been sounded out about the job.
"I have always said that coaching is my passion. I love coaching," Walters told AAP.
"It was just a chat. I'm serious about it. I haven't been offered the job. It was just informal discussions about whether I would be interested.
"I am (a career coach). It is in the blood. It has always been in the blood."
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