LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Mal Meninga has confirmed he is "very close" to becoming the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears but insists he will not have to resign from his role as coach of the Kangaroos.
Meninga is in the final stages of negotiations for the position, with ARL Commission (ARLC) chief Peter V'landys expected to announce his appointment soon.
While reports indicated that Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess were also contenders for the job, Meninga appears to have moved ahead of them in the selection process.
Recent reports from News Corp suggested that the ARLC would require Meninga to step down as Kangaroos coach if he accepted the Perth position.
This would mean that Australia would need a new coach before the upcoming Ashes campaign against England.
However, during an appearance on SEN radio, Meninga denied these claims, stating, "That discussion hasn't taken place - so not quite sure where that'll land...
I believe I can be involved." He emphasized his commitment to leading the Kangaroos in their first Ashes tour in 22 years.
Meninga confirmed that his negotiation talks are advanced, and while he hasn't signed on the dotted line yet, he remarked, "I haven't signed yet but we're very close...
negotiations have been going great, there's still just a couple of things we need to sort out." His current base in Canberra has led to discussions regarding relocation clauses, further indicating his readiness to make the move to Perth.
The NRL owns the license for the Perth team, and financial terms with Meninga have reportedly been finalized, setting the stage for his anticipated appointment.
Additionally, the news indicated that Arthur and Burgess were offered assistant roles under Meninga, with the prospect of succeeding him in the future, but both declined, aiming solely for the head coach position.