The NRL want to appoint a new Australian coach for this year’s Ashes series in England, with Mal Meninga set to be announced as the inaugural Perth Bears coach, according to a report.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the NRL want Meninga to focus on building the Bears’ roster, instead of the Australian coaching job.
The Bears aren’t allowed to sign a player until November 1 this year, with their entry to the competition coming in 2027.
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November 1 is the same date as the Kangaroos’ second Test against England at Everton Stadium, with the third and last Test scheduled for Leeds the following week.
Given November will be a busy signing month for the new franchise, the NRL’s preference is for Meninga to focus on that and avoid the added distraction of coaching Australia as well.
The new coach would guide Australia through the Ashes series this year and the 2026 Rugby League World Cup to be held at home.
The three contenders for the Kangaroos job are former Australian captain Cameron Smith, former NSW coach Brad Fittler and former Brisbane coach Kevin Walters.
Fittler seemed reluctant to put his name into the mix.
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“I wouldn’t consider it unless I was formally asked,” he said.
“I don’t know if Mal has the job or that he can’t do both.”
Meninga started as Kangaroos coach back in 2016.
