Mal Meninga, a name synonymous wiht rugby league greatness, is reportedly poised to take on a new challenge: leading the Perth Bears as their inaugural coach. But can the man who dominated State of Origin and the World Cup translate that success to a brand-new NRL franchise in a city dominated by Australian Rules football?

The Meninga Mystique: More Than Just a figurehead?

Meninga’s coaching pedigree is undeniable. Nine State of Origin series wins out of 10, including eight consecutive victories from 2006 to 2013, speak volumes. add to that World Cup triumphs with Australia in 2017 and 2021, and a 52% win rate with the Canberra Raiders from 1997-2001. Yet, questions linger. Has Meninga’s success been solely due to his presence, or is there more to the coaching story?

Neil Henry, who served as an assistant coach alongside Meninga with the Queensland Maroons, dismisses the notion that Meninga is merely a figurehead. I wouldn’t say that, Henry stated, addressing claims that assistant coaches do the real coaching. He elaborated, I think all head coaches have assistant coaches that have certain roles within the team and normally it can be divided up. One’s got attack, one’s got defense or one looks after the forwards, one the backs.

Henry emphasizes that delegation is a key attribute of triumphant coaches.As their picture is broader than just the nuts and bolts of coaching, he explained. Your assistant coaches have that connection with the players and they’re able to work like that but ultimately the buck stops with the head coach.

The Castle Connection: A Glimpse into Meninga’s Mindset

Henry shared an anecdote that provides insight into Meninga’s ability to lighten the mood and connect with his players. Before a crucial state of Origin game in 2008, the maroons team watched the iconic Australian film, ‘The Castle’. What happened next was pure Meninga magic.

As the team bus headed to Sydney Olympic Park, it unexpectedly pulled over. Michael Caton, the actor who played Darryl Kerrigan in ‘The Castle’, stepped aboard. Then as we were on the way to Origin, the bus pulled in and there was a guy standing at the bus stop. It was Michael Caton, Henry recalled.he jumped on the bus, (said), ‘We’re going to Bonnie doon’, and we were on the way to Origin.

The result? Queensland won that decisive game 16-10, securing their third consecutive series victory. It was just something to lighten the mood, it’s a game you needed to win down in Sydney played at ANZ Stadium, Henry said. A few young players in our team,it has taken their mind off the game and we got a win,it was just something he thought of which was quite funny.

Building a Dynasty in the West: Community and Culture

Henry, who coached the western Reds’ under-19s side before the franchise was dissolved, believes that Meninga’s focus on community will be crucial for the Perth Bears. What he’s achieved as a player, that is significant. He’s always been about the players first, and he’s very community-minded as well, Henry stated.

He added, He has a holistic approach to his coaching. The thing that he is able to generate is that environment where players wont to work for each other. He’s big on club culture. This emphasis on community connection, from grassroots to the professional level, could be the key to success in a market dominated by AFL.

Lessons from the Dolphins: Can Perth Replicate the Success?

The Dolphins, the most recent addition to the NRL, demonstrated that a new franchise can be competitive from the outset.Henry believes the Perth Bears can follow a similar path by tapping into the local rugby league community and establishing strong pathways for young players.

There’s a lot of variables that come into being able to be successful. I think the Dolphins have been able to do that haven’t they? Henry said. They’ve been able to get in and win games.That’s what everyone wants, you’d like to see a competitive team straight up.

He also highlighted the existing connection between the Bears and Sydney, suggesting a potential pathway for talent to move between the two cities. I think that he’s got that connection to Sydney with the Bears, so they’ll have a pathway through Sydney to the West Coast, henry explained.

The Final Verdict: A Good Man for the Job?

Despite the challenges ahead, Henry is confident that Meninga is the right person to lead the Perth Bears. So I think it’s exciting times… I have no doubt he’d be a good man for the job, he concluded.