LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
New Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga aims to leverage his experiences from the Canberra Raiders' early years to establish the NRL's 18th team by 2027.
According to nrl.com.au, the Raiders, alongside the Illawarra Steelers, were the first expansion teams to join the premiership from outside Sydney in 1982.
Meninga, a rugby league Immortal and three-time premiership-winning captain, played a crucial role in transforming the Raiders into a formidable force.
Reflecting on his past, Meninga highlighted that the Raiders' initial achievements would serve as a guiding model for the Bears.
He draws on his extensive background in rugby league, having captained Queensland and Australia before coaching at various levels, including the Raiders, Maroons, and Kangaroos.
This rich experience positions him to build a competitive and impactful team in the NRL landscape for the future.