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News.com.au
7 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Historic day as rugby league icon returns after 25 years to coach Perth Bears
Rugby league icon Mal Meninga has been unveiled as the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears. The NRL Immortal has spoken publicly for the first time about his ambitions for the new team as he faced reporters at a media event in Sydney on Friday morning. It has been 25 years since the Canberra Raiders legend last coached an ARL/NRL team, however, he has been a popular coach of the Kangaroos in recent years and was famously at the helm of Queensland's State of Origin dynasty of dominance before his departure in 2015. Meninga's move to the Bears leaves his Kangaroos coaching position available with former NSW coach Brad Fittler expected to be given the job. The Bears were officially handed the NRL's 18th license last month after the WA government formally signed off on the $65.6 million deal. The new club has the full support and involvement of foundation club the North Sydney Bears. The Bears will enter the competition in 2027, giving Meninga just 18 months to assemble a squad capable of competing in the NRL. The cashed up club is ready to pounce on NRL free agents with Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and Sharks playmaker Nicho Hynes already linked with the club. A big part of Meninga's job in the next 12 months will be a public relations battle to win support from the divided Western Australia sporting community. Meninga said on Friday: 'This is bigger than me. It's about the growth of the game in WA. I want to leave it in a good place'. Meninga said his contract extends for the next three years. 'Personally, this is one of the most exciting challenges of my career, 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,' Meninga said. 'It's a great privilege and responsibility I've been given to be one of the leaders in the formation of the club and 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 won the job with rumours swirling in recent months about interviews the Australian Rugby League Commission held with several high profile candidates, including Sam Burgess, Brad Arthur and Kevin Walters. NRL supremo Peter V'landys said in a statement Meninga was the 'obvious choice' 'There are very few who have graced our game who can match Mal Meninga's record of success, and we are delighted to announce that Mal will be the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears for their entry into the NRL in 2027,' V'landys said. 'Mal is the ideal man to lead the game to a new frontier in Western Australia. The esteem in which he is held in the sport, his experience and the success he has had at every level of the game as a player and coach will ensure the Perth Bears have exceptionally strong leadership to build their organisation. 'On behalf of the Commission, I congratulate Mal on his appointment and thank him for his wonderful contribution as Kangaroos Coach. Mal leaves the Kangaroos program in tremendous shape and now takes on a vital role for the progression of the sport domestically.' The NRL in a statement trumpeted the success Meninga has enjoyed in his career having coached the Canberra Raiders (1997-2001) and Queensland (2006-2015), while previously playing 46 Test and World Cup matches for the Kangaroos, 32 State of Origin matches for Queensland and captaining the Raiders to three Premierships.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Why the shocking appointment of a Channel Seven supremo to be footy boss is a MASTER STROKE - as the NRL tries to conquer Perth: PETER VAN ONSELEN
As an adopted West Aussie who loves rugby league, I can't wait for the Perth Bears to enter the comp in 2027. The code's ambitions to become a truly national competition require it, and the revival of the North Sydney Bears as a relocated Perth team is the perfect bridge between the old and the new. It gives the new franchise an immediate supporter base in Sydney when playing on the road, as well as a history and culture from day one to help build its presence in Perth. Inevitably it will be a challenge to take on the AFL in one of its heartland areas, but Perth is also filled with east coast expats. While the term 'expats' is supposed to only apply to people living in a new country, the west is such an isolated community that it can be readily applied to a move to WA, too. Let's not forget, WA voted to secede from the rest of Australia back in 1933, with a 66 per cent vote in favour of doing so. It never happened, of course, but the separatist culture has continued, with popular polls on the issue continuing to reveal a sentiment of 'us verses them'. It's why voting patterns in WA regularly don't follow what's going on elsewhere around the country. The choice of the inaugural CEO of the new franchise is another masterstroke by Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter V'landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. The Bears played first-grade footy in North Sydney from 1908 to 1999, showcasing legends like Mario Fenech (pictured right with teammate Sean Hoppe) - giving the team a huge head start as they try to make their mark in WA Say what you like about this pair, they aren't afraid to take it up to the AFL in the war of the codes, and in recent years the NRL is outperforming its rivals. Who better to lead the NRL's push into WA than a former boss of West Australian newspapers and the national head of Channel Seven's news and current affairs, Anthony De Ceglie. The West and Channel Seven are the biggest media players in WA and De Ceglie hails from across the Nullarbor, described as a 'genuine Western Australian' by V'landys when announcing his appointment. While I can't claim the same status, having only moved to WA as an adult, the AFL-mad state is desperate for more local sports and the Bears arrival in 2027 is a great opportunity to build the code as a truly national competition. Australians living elsewhere find it hard to fully appreciate just how parochial WA can be. The state Premier is regarded as more of a PM than Premier, with state politics dominating coverage over national politics in the west, not something we see elsewhere. The isolation - Perth is the most isolated major city anywhere in the world - feeds such sentiments. Even those like myself who turned the state into their adopted home join in. While I've seen concerns expressed that rugby league may struggle to find its feet on the other side of the country, crafting a management and pathways program that does more than insert east coast personnel into the west is a prerequisite for success. De Ceglie's appointment sends an important message locally. The recent decision by the local paper to use mock outrage to condemn the state government's decision to invest in the Bears' arrival, splashing with a derogatory front page when the formal announcement was made last week, was more a criticism of the state government spending money in support of the new team than an attack on the code itself. Premier Roger Cook's decision to back the Bears only serves to increase the new franchise's chances of success. It's a net positive to be sure. Much of the money is designed to help build the code from the grassroots up, which will be important to its capacity to compete with Aussie Rules and rugby union. A Perth franchise came and went quickly during the Super League war of the 1990s. The amalgamation of the competition coupled with financial challenges associated with what was a hastily convened team contributed to its downfall. But since that time Perth has grown as a market, as has the game. Those lessons have been important to getting the move right this time. The opportunity to open WA up as a destination for east coast Australians to consider traveling to is another important reason why the state government backed the bid. A four hour flight between Sydney and Perth is seen by some as too far to make the trip, which wouldn't represent a barrier to them if they gave the west a chance, even just once. The city, the Swan River (which feels more like a harbour) and the 'down south' lifestyle make most other parts of the country look positively drab by comparison. Opening WA up to the rugby league community is only going to grow the state more, if current West Aussie can keep an open mind about letting others enjoy what their state has to offer. In politics we often lament our leaders not thinking big, not taking the time to properly consider and craft what they want to do next. It's a problem of short term thinking winning out over long term planning and foresight.
Sydney Morning Herald
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The Wallabies star eyeing off code switch to Perth Bears
A Wallabies star with links to the North Sydney Bears is shaping up as a potential recruit for the NRL's new Perth-based franchise. Billy Pollard has a background in rugby league and is interested in a potential return to the game. The Brumbies hooker famously turned down an approach from Wayne Bennett, one of several league luminaries keen on his signature, while still in his teens. The 23-year-old followed in the footsteps of father Paul by playing for the North Sydney Bears, where he starred in the SG Ball side alongside up-and-coming Bulldog Jacob Preston. The family connection goes even further back: grandfather John made 19 first-grade appearances for the Bears in the early 1960s and also won a reserve-grade grand final. With interest from both codes, Pollard ultimately chose the 15-man game, where he has fulfilled his ambition of representing the Wallabies. Pollard, who has six caps to his name, is expected to be part of the 40-man Wallabies squad chosen by coach Joe Schmidt for the upcoming British and Irish Lions series. While keen to feature in those marquee matches, the Asquith Magpies junior will soon become a free agent and is keen on exploring opportunities in rugby league. Those close to Pollard say the Perth Bears – who will be able to recruit players from November 1 ahead of their scheduled entry into the NRL in 2027 – would be a natural fit given the family's strong history with the black and red. A hooker in rugby, Pollard has been likened to Brandon Smith; a player with the skills to pass from the ground, probably best suited in the back row at NRL level.
The Age
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
The Wallabies star eyeing off code switch to Perth Bears
A Wallabies star with links to the North Sydney Bears is shaping up as a potential recruit for the NRL's new Perth-based franchise. Billy Pollard has a background in rugby league and is interested in a potential return to the game. The Brumbies hooker famously turned down an approach from Wayne Bennett, one of several league luminaries keen on his signature, while still in his teens. The 23-year-old followed in the footsteps of father Paul by playing for the North Sydney Bears, where he starred in the SG Ball side alongside up-and-coming Bulldog Jacob Preston. The family connection goes even further back: grandfather John made 19 first-grade appearances for the Bears in the early 1960s and also won a reserve-grade grand final. With interest from both codes, Pollard ultimately chose the 15-man game, where he has fulfilled his ambition of representing the Wallabies. Pollard, who has six caps to his name, is expected to be part of the 40-man Wallabies squad chosen by coach Joe Schmidt for the upcoming British and Irish Lions series. While keen to feature in those marquee matches, the Asquith Magpies junior will soon become a free agent and is keen on exploring opportunities in rugby league. Those close to Pollard say the Perth Bears – who will be able to recruit players from November 1 ahead of their scheduled entry into the NRL in 2027 – would be a natural fit given the family's strong history with the black and red. A hooker in rugby, Pollard has been likened to Brandon Smith; a player with the skills to pass from the ground, probably best suited in the back row at NRL level.
ABC News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Gone west
And now to the news that some NRL fans had spent almost three decades waiting for: JAMES BRACEY: Well hello and welcome to Nine's very special coverage of the unveiling of the national rugby league's newest franchise, we're coming to you live from HBF Park here … - Nine (Sydney), 8 May, 2025 And that was the Nine Network startling its day-time viewers who last Thursday were enjoying Drive TV's Car of The Year and dragging them willing or not to this announcement from the Western Australian premier Roger Cook: ROGER COOK: … the Perth Bears are about to become part of the national rugby league competition. - Nine (Sydney), 8 May, 2025 After 26 years in the wilderness the North Sydney Bears are back, albeit a five-hour flight away in Perth, and Nine's James Bracey was so beside himself he had to preface his question with a little speech: JAMES BRACEY: … we're broadcasting live on Nine right around the country at the moment, which emphasises the monumental occasion this is for the sport of rugby league, particularly penetrating an AFL state like that is WA, but how important is it to this franchise to be associated with the Bears on the east coast? PETER V'LANDYS: It's extremely important … - Nine (Sydney), 8 May, 2025 Nine even swung a second reporter onto the story who watched the announcement live in the North Sydney bear cave with tearful fans: DAMIAN RYAN: We saw the tears rolling out of your eyes BEARS FAN: We've waited since the 15th of October 1999 for this - Nine (Sydney), 8 May, 2025 As you would expect, our two news channels Sky and the ABC also cut live to Roger Cook's press conference. Seven did not and left unsullied … the delectable pleasures of 'Carrot Cake Murder': ALISON SWEENEY: … no murder investigation for you. But you can have a cookie … - Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, Network Seven, 8 May, 2025 And there were more bakery treats for its WA audience too … CHEF: … set aside a couple of spoonfuls of this to coat the madeleines at the end … - The Morning Show, Network Seven, 8 May, 2025 Delicious … Seven News in Perth did report the story during its news that day. And this was how its stablemate The West Australian had presented the story that morning: THE BAD NEWS BEARS Rugby-mad Roger Cook forces WA taxpayers to pay Sydney's NRL rejects $65m to play in Perth - The West Australian, 8 May, 2025 Oof, rejects from Sydney? The West knows exactly how to rile a sandgroper. And it just so happens, the paper's editor has been happily prosecuting this case for months dedicating acres of space to what he says is an 'extravagant' piffle: Roger. Mate. Stop trying to make rugby league happen. - The West Australian editorial, 14 February, 2025 West Australians … won't tolerate extravagant spending on a team no one asked for in the first place. - The West Australian editorial, 12 March, 2025 And describing the Premier as: … a self-confessed rugby league nuffy … … one of a handful of blokes in WA who support rugby league and reckon it's a goer in our State. - The West Australian editorial, 24 March, 2025 The West's subtle opposition did not escape the NRL specialists at News Corporation which, it should be noted, also has a financial interest via streaming rights in both sports: The state's leading newspaper, the West Australian, has been vicious in its coverage of the NRL's expansion push to Perth. - The Sunday-Mail (Qld), 23 March, 2025 And why are the Nine and Seven media empires in opposing corners? … The West Australian is owned by Seven West Media, which has control of the Seven Network, the free-to-air broadcaster which inked a $1.5 billion deal with the AFL in 2022. Billionaire Kerry Stokes is chairman of the Seven West Media empire fanning the flames of NRL expansion discontent. - The Sunday-Mail (Qld), 23 March, 2025 While the West Australian's owner Seven West has free-to-air rights to the AFL, Nine holds the equivalent rights to the NRL, a point not lost on Mr Hot Chips himself Peter V'landys, rugby league's chairman: PETER V'LANDYS: Well I think the media coverage has been a bit biased in the sense that the main newspaper here is owned by Seven West Media that has the AFL rights lets be quite frank, so they don't want us to be here because they realise we're going to be competitive and we're going to take some of their lunch, and we eat a lot ... - Sky News Australia, 8 May, 2025 Never one to shy from a fight, The West's editor Chris Dore bit back the following day. And he told Media Watch: … the idea that somehow our coverage at The West Australian is dictated, or even remotely influenced, by some fanciful proposition that a rugby league team in Perth would diminish the AFL and therefore somehow have a financial impact on the broadcaster is laughable. - Email, Christopher Dore, Editor-in-Chief, West Australian Newspapers and The Nightly, 12 May, 2025 Adding this little dig for the newspaper he used to helm: I know this is hard to grasp from reading the NRL-Las Vegas-loving boys at The Daily Telegraph who inhale every word uttered by their messiah Peter V'landys, but they have taken you for a ride if you believe the spin. - Email, Christopher Dore, Editor-in-Chief, West Australian Newspapers and The Nightly, 12 May, 2025 Of course, the real game here is being played off the field. Peter V'landys with his top-shelf connections has been extending the reach of his NRL empire not only in the West but with a new team in PNG while also trying to cultivate lucrative US betting markets which means more games more fans and more money for the next round of broadcasting rights, negotiations for which are reportedly imminent. These sports TV contracts are so lucrative they are becoming existential for Australia's distressed commercial TV networks, so it really should come as no surprise that impartial interrogations of the politics of footy might be thin on the ground.
