‘Well-Respected’ Candidate Expected to Join Mal Meninga’s Coaching Team at Perth Bears

Mal Meninga is reportedly eyeing an early favourite to join his coaching team at the Perth Bears.

The 64-year-old was officially introduced as the club’s first-ever coach last week and will be stepping aside from his position as the Kangaroos head coach.

Having not coached full-time at the first-grade level for over twenty years, Meninga has recognised the necessity of strong support for the 2027 season and beyond.

Matt King, Brad Arthur, and Sam Burgess were all approached by the NRL for potential roles alongside Meninga, but all three declined the opportunity.

According to Nine’s Michael Chammas, current Panthers assistant coach and Samoa international head coach Ben Gardiner is now in the frame to join Meninga’s staff.

“Discussions are currently taking place with Ben Gardiner—who has secured a couple of premierships under Ivan Cleary—and he’s well-positioned to work alongside Mal Meninga,” Chammas stated on 100% Footy on Monday night.

“Ben Gardiner is a strong candidate, and his connection to Samoa will be significant moving forward. There’s speculation that Payne Haas may represent Samoa, and he has already spoken with Gardiner.”

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“Having someone like Gardiner, who is currently coaching at the Panthers and with Samoa, could serve as a valuable recruitment asset for Mal Meninga.”

“He’s highly respected for his knowledge off the field as well,” he added.

Gardiner, who has previously balanced coaching duties with teaching at Marcellin College Randwick for many years, brings a wealth of experience, having worked with several clubs, including South Sydney and Wests Tigers, before moving to Penrith.

He has also previously been part of the coaching staff for the New Zealand Kiwis, before taking up the head coaching role with Samoa two years ago.

“He’s put in a long apprenticeship,” Phil Gould remarked.

“We initially brought him down as a player—he joined the Roosters but struggled with injuries and didn’t quite make the cut.

“He has been involved in the game for about 22 or 23 years, gaining experience under some of the best coaches and systems. He knows his stuff and is highly respected.”