LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Questions regarding Brad Arthur's suitability to lead the NRL's new franchise in Perth have surfaced, with Sam Burgess emerging as a notable contender for the Bears' head coaching position.
Reports from News Corp indicate that Arthur, the former Eels coach currently with the Leeds Rhinos, is the ARL Commission's preferred candidate for the franchise's inaugural season in 2027.
Although Arthur has had informal discussions with ARLC members, his candidacy has not been formally addressed, and it's acknowledged that the Bears will function independently from the NRL's main office.
Arthur boasts over a decade of NRL coaching experience, notably taking Parramatta to the grand final in 2022.
However, critics point out that he never secured a premiership with the club and was dismissed midway through last season due to poor performance.
This has prompted skepticism from figures like veteran journalist Andrew Webster and former Newcastle champion Matty Johns, who doubt Arthur's status compared to top coaches such as Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy, and Ivan Cleary.
Webster expressed his reservations about Arthur's appointment on SEN radio, saying, "I'm not entirely comfortable with Brad Arthur just being parachuted in.
Why would they not go for one of the big guns? No disrespect to Brad but I'd be after a premiership-winning coach with an aura." While ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo have shown clear interest in Arthur, the accompanying criticism raises questions about whether he is indeed the right choice for the role.
The decision on the coach will ultimately lie with the Bears' board, which will be selected by the NRL.
With the growing scrutiny over Arthur's qualifications, the path forward for the Bears' head coaching position remains uncertain as the league prepares for its 18th team.