IN what has seemed like an eon of expectation, the new Perth Bears franchise has finally got their man to lead them into the NRL in 2027. And that man is one of the most decorated men in our game, Mal Meninga!
They don’t come more well-known than the former bullocking centre for Canberra, QLD, and Australia. Mal has had an illustrious career as a player, coach, commentator, and mentor of our game. And in what was a keenly sought after position to lead the new Perth bid into its next frontier, as soon as Mal threw his hat in the ring the job was his!
Brad Arthur and Sam Burgess were also both believed to have coveted the position, but in the end Peter Vlandys and co reasoned that the head coach in this next chapter of rugby league in Western Australia had to be someone with extreme gravitas.
There is no one with more than Mal “immortal” Meninga. His appointment alone will bring untold enquiries from many player agents in hope of getting their client west bound.
Of course I know first hand what it’s like to play rugby league in Perth. I was a member of the Western Reds for 3 seasons (95,96,97) in the ARL and I can give Mal a bit of free advice.
1. Don’t be brazen.
Western Australia is an AFL city, and it always will be. Don’t go flying into town telling all who will listen that you’re there to take over. Like Kevin Sheedy did with the GWS Giants in 2010 two years before the Giants were even in the comp. He aimed to take over the west and he made no bones about it. A tad of humility might have seen us ‘Westies’ take to him more kindly if he knew the lay of the land and wanted to integrate instead of overtake.
2. Get to know the Eagles and Dockers.
Peter Mullholland, our coach in the early years of the Western Reds, identified that we needed to build an alliance with both AFL teams in Perth. So we did. Within weeks of landing in WA we were training side by side with both the West Coast Eagles and the Freemantle Dockers. Us (Reds) teaching them about the fine intricacies of one on one defence, and them teaching us about the best ways to take a high ball and perform a drop punt.
We also got to know both clubs personally, often doing cross-promotions with them and basically hanging onto their coat tails to help us learn the ‘Perth ways’. Hence, when we played our first ever game against the Dragons at the WACA the cameras panned to the grandstand, where coaches Mick Malthouse (Eagles) and Gerard Neesham (Dockers) were sitting watching our inaugural game. Instant clout.
3. Pick the right players.
Sure, there will be a plethora of players wanting to become a pioneer/trailblazer in Perth, but its paramount that Mal and his team pick the right players to take with them to Perth. Players who are mindful of the 5 hour flight to Perth, players who can instantly become best mates with the other players who have jumped upon the ‘Perth train’.
Being so far away from loved ones can take its toll, with Perth being one of the most isolated cities in the world. They must pick players who don’t see this as one bit of a concern, in fact they are there for that reason, a touch of anonymity. I know I chose the Western Reds for that reason. As soon as my wife and I landed in WA we instantly connected to the other teammates who had just done the same. We became ‘family’ within a relatively short amount of time.
Their scouting must pick players that are totally willing to become part of a close community, not those that like to keep to themselves.
It’s exciting times for the NRL, as now they truly can say they are the National Rugby League. Before Perth’s re-entry they couldn’t. BRING ON THE BEARS!
I will definitely see you at the game….
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a new car contact my great mate at Sinclair Hyundai, Toby Hughes.
MG (random Westie) OAM
