LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Australia's Kangaroo rugby team is expected to have a new coach for the upcoming Ashes series, as Mal Meninga prepares to become the inaugural head coach of the Perth Bears, according to reports from zerotackle.com.
The current Kangaroos and former Queensland coach is set to be named the head coach of the NRL's 18th club in the coming weeks.
This transition comes with limited preparation time for Meninga, as he will have under six months before November 1, when the Bears can start signing players.
The decision to replace Meninga as head coach is being driven by the NRL and the Australian Rugby League Commission.
The Sydney Morning Herald noted that the timing is significant: "Firstly, the Kangaroos will be in England playing the rugby league Ashes as the club ticks over to November 1." Meninga will be preoccupied with Australian commitments leading up to this date and will be overseas during the transition period.
Additionally, securing a competitive squad for the new Perth-based franchise poses a significant challenge.
The report highlights that this task will likely be daunting for the Bears.
The franchise must compete for players amidst concerns about their location, especially in comparison to the Dolphins' successful recruitment for their inaugural NRL season in a more player-friendly environment.
As a result, there are "real question marks around the type of squad the Western Australian-based outfit will be able to provide."
Overall, the impending appointment of a new Kangaroos coach and Meninga's new role with the Bears creates a critical juncture for Australian rugby league.
The success of the Bears in attracting talent will be a key factor to watch as both teams navigate this transition.