Thaiday backs Meninga to coach Bears
Former Queensland and Australian player Sam Thaiday says his former coach Mal Meninga is the right man to lead the Perth Bears.
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The Advertiser
5 minutes ago
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Socceroos itching to confirm World Cup fate
The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did." The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did." The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did."
The Advertiser
5 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Edict fires two NRL greats into frame for Kangaroos job
The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on."
The Advertiser
5 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Mal's Mission: How Meninga plans to poke the Bears
After unveiling Mal Meninga as the Perth Bears' inaugural head coach, the club's chief executive says criticism of the NRL's start-up franchise is proof they are on the right track to winning new supporters in the AFL-made West. At a press conference at League Central in Sydney on Friday, Meninga signed a three-year contract with the Bears, who will enter the NRL in 2027. It marks the 64-year-old's first foray into club coaching since he left the Canberra Raiders in 2001. Meninga will be 69 by the time his contract expires. The Immortal, who has enjoyed a decorated representative coaching career in charge of Queensland and Australia, will relinquish his role with the Kangaroos ahead of this year's Ashes series to help the Bears build a roster to be competitive in a little over 18 months time. "This is bigger than me," Meninga said. "This new pioneering venture over to WA and the opportunity to be involved in the growth of the game, to grow a club the Perth Bears is too good to refuse. "I feel very honoured, very nervous, and I think it's a huge responsibility." The Bears can talk to off-contract players come November 1, but their hardest challenge may be winning over fans, sponsors and a media who are already heavily invested in the AFL. "Mal is an Immortal of the NRL, he is also an Immortal of our national sporting landscape, Mal is part of the Australian identity and we're honoured he's taken this opportunity," said club chief executive Anthony De Ceglie. "We've gone from one Bear in me, to two Bears in Mal, we've doubled our staff overnight. "It's small steps, we need to listen to the legacy of the North Sydney Bears and the fans in WA who have a proud tradition and who have kept the candle burning and we need to marry those two things together to make this a huge success." A former high-ranking executive at Seven West Media - the company which owns the AFL broadcast rights - De Ceglie knows the NRL's 18th side has work to do. Already the local Seven West-owned newspaper The West Australian has been critical of the venture which has been backed by WA State government cash. "Normally if you're doing something right, you have a few critics along the way," De Ceglie said. "I've been totally blown away by the amount of messages of people who want to get involved in the Perth Bears … I'm very optimistic this will be a huge success. "It'll be up to the Perth Bears to earn the respect of the newspaper. "If we're a success on the field, and if we're a success off the field, then we should be in those sports pages. "If we're not, the only people missing out are the readers of the newspaper." Meninga is yet to finalise his coaching staff nor a recruitment team who can help him bring the Perth roster together with a relatively short lead-in time. When the Redcliffe-based Dolphins entered the NRL in 2023 they missed out on several big-name targets in the recruitment space. But their squad - which won nine of their 24 games in their inaugural season - earned the respect of rival clubs for their effort and determination. "I don't think we'll have too many worries about talking to players and managers about the opportunity to come play in Perth," Meninga said. "We've got a story to tell. We have to understand what we're trying to achieve and that's my job initially to get the right people and resources around us to help understand what that story is." After unveiling Mal Meninga as the Perth Bears' inaugural head coach, the club's chief executive says criticism of the NRL's start-up franchise is proof they are on the right track to winning new supporters in the AFL-made West. At a press conference at League Central in Sydney on Friday, Meninga signed a three-year contract with the Bears, who will enter the NRL in 2027. It marks the 64-year-old's first foray into club coaching since he left the Canberra Raiders in 2001. Meninga will be 69 by the time his contract expires. The Immortal, who has enjoyed a decorated representative coaching career in charge of Queensland and Australia, will relinquish his role with the Kangaroos ahead of this year's Ashes series to help the Bears build a roster to be competitive in a little over 18 months time. "This is bigger than me," Meninga said. "This new pioneering venture over to WA and the opportunity to be involved in the growth of the game, to grow a club the Perth Bears is too good to refuse. "I feel very honoured, very nervous, and I think it's a huge responsibility." The Bears can talk to off-contract players come November 1, but their hardest challenge may be winning over fans, sponsors and a media who are already heavily invested in the AFL. "Mal is an Immortal of the NRL, he is also an Immortal of our national sporting landscape, Mal is part of the Australian identity and we're honoured he's taken this opportunity," said club chief executive Anthony De Ceglie. "We've gone from one Bear in me, to two Bears in Mal, we've doubled our staff overnight. "It's small steps, we need to listen to the legacy of the North Sydney Bears and the fans in WA who have a proud tradition and who have kept the candle burning and we need to marry those two things together to make this a huge success." A former high-ranking executive at Seven West Media - the company which owns the AFL broadcast rights - De Ceglie knows the NRL's 18th side has work to do. Already the local Seven West-owned newspaper The West Australian has been critical of the venture which has been backed by WA State government cash. "Normally if you're doing something right, you have a few critics along the way," De Ceglie said. "I've been totally blown away by the amount of messages of people who want to get involved in the Perth Bears … I'm very optimistic this will be a huge success. "It'll be up to the Perth Bears to earn the respect of the newspaper. "If we're a success on the field, and if we're a success off the field, then we should be in those sports pages. "If we're not, the only people missing out are the readers of the newspaper." Meninga is yet to finalise his coaching staff nor a recruitment team who can help him bring the Perth roster together with a relatively short lead-in time. When the Redcliffe-based Dolphins entered the NRL in 2023 they missed out on several big-name targets in the recruitment space. But their squad - which won nine of their 24 games in their inaugural season - earned the respect of rival clubs for their effort and determination. "I don't think we'll have too many worries about talking to players and managers about the opportunity to come play in Perth," Meninga said. "We've got a story to tell. We have to understand what we're trying to achieve and that's my job initially to get the right people and resources around us to help understand what that story is." After unveiling Mal Meninga as the Perth Bears' inaugural head coach, the club's chief executive says criticism of the NRL's start-up franchise is proof they are on the right track to winning new supporters in the AFL-made West. At a press conference at League Central in Sydney on Friday, Meninga signed a three-year contract with the Bears, who will enter the NRL in 2027. It marks the 64-year-old's first foray into club coaching since he left the Canberra Raiders in 2001. Meninga will be 69 by the time his contract expires. The Immortal, who has enjoyed a decorated representative coaching career in charge of Queensland and Australia, will relinquish his role with the Kangaroos ahead of this year's Ashes series to help the Bears build a roster to be competitive in a little over 18 months time. "This is bigger than me," Meninga said. "This new pioneering venture over to WA and the opportunity to be involved in the growth of the game, to grow a club the Perth Bears is too good to refuse. "I feel very honoured, very nervous, and I think it's a huge responsibility." The Bears can talk to off-contract players come November 1, but their hardest challenge may be winning over fans, sponsors and a media who are already heavily invested in the AFL. "Mal is an Immortal of the NRL, he is also an Immortal of our national sporting landscape, Mal is part of the Australian identity and we're honoured he's taken this opportunity," said club chief executive Anthony De Ceglie. "We've gone from one Bear in me, to two Bears in Mal, we've doubled our staff overnight. "It's small steps, we need to listen to the legacy of the North Sydney Bears and the fans in WA who have a proud tradition and who have kept the candle burning and we need to marry those two things together to make this a huge success." A former high-ranking executive at Seven West Media - the company which owns the AFL broadcast rights - De Ceglie knows the NRL's 18th side has work to do. Already the local Seven West-owned newspaper The West Australian has been critical of the venture which has been backed by WA State government cash. "Normally if you're doing something right, you have a few critics along the way," De Ceglie said. "I've been totally blown away by the amount of messages of people who want to get involved in the Perth Bears … I'm very optimistic this will be a huge success. "It'll be up to the Perth Bears to earn the respect of the newspaper. "If we're a success on the field, and if we're a success off the field, then we should be in those sports pages. "If we're not, the only people missing out are the readers of the newspaper." Meninga is yet to finalise his coaching staff nor a recruitment team who can help him bring the Perth roster together with a relatively short lead-in time. When the Redcliffe-based Dolphins entered the NRL in 2023 they missed out on several big-name targets in the recruitment space. But their squad - which won nine of their 24 games in their inaugural season - earned the respect of rival clubs for their effort and determination. "I don't think we'll have too many worries about talking to players and managers about the opportunity to come play in Perth," Meninga said. "We've got a story to tell. We have to understand what we're trying to achieve and that's my job initially to get the right people and resources around us to help understand what that story is."
