Western Australia’s new expansion franchise is set to get an Immortal bump with Kangaroos mentor Mal Meninga set to be announced as the winner in the race for the Perth Bears coaching job.

The ARL Commission has been working through the candidates for the new expansion club when it enters the NRL in 2027.

Sam Burgess put his hand up but the current Warrington coach and the 2014 South Sydney title winner was at one stage mentioned in a pairing with Meninga in a situation which would lead to the Englishman taking over from the Queensland legend after the first couple of years.

But he has rejected that idea and Meninga is set to get the head coaching gig ahead of other options like Kevin Walters and Brad Arthur.

Meninga won nine out of 10 State of Origin series in charge as coach of the Maroons before steering the Kangaroos to two World Cup wins.

But he has not coached in the NRL since 2001 when he won a tick over half of the matches at the helm of Canberra during a five-year stint.

Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook is tipped to be Meninga’s understudy at Perth, a role he has filled with the Kangaroos, as part of a succession plan.

Matt King and Josh Hannay have also been mentioned as deputies to Meninga but are keen to stay at the Roosters and Sharks respectively until a head coaching role is offered to them.

According to a NewsCorp report, Meninga is finalising a deal with the new franchise which would impact on his ability to coach the Kangaroos on their end-of-season tour to England and next year’s World Cup.

Walters, Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith, despite having no senior coaching experience, floated as options to replace Meninga for the Australian gig.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Time right for Big Ben to boost Broncos

Brisbane will unleash their next generation prop Ben Te Kura for the first time this year and he has been backed by a dual international to run riot against Manly.

The Broncos have axed bench prop Fletcher Baker and elevated 21-year-old Te Kura for Saturday night’s NRL match after the club’s five losses from six games.

Brisbane’s 2006 title winner Karmichael Hunt, an Australian representative in two codes, has been coaching Te Kura in the Queensland Cup for Souths Logan Magpies.

Te Kura is the 205cm giant, the tallest in the NRL, who played three matches off the bench in 2024 and impressed.

Now he gets his chance away at Brookvale Oval as coach Michael Maguire backs youth after former New Zealand international Martin Taupau was released from the club.

Te Kura has missed just three tackles in nine matches for the Magpies this year while making 40 tackle busts.

“He is just doing his job really well as a middle – carrying hard and making sure his defensive movements are where they need to be,” Hunt told AAP.

“The last few weeks he has been leading from the front and setting a platform and obviously Madge (Maguire) has been happy with him.

“I’m sure Madge’s instructions are to cause a bit of havoc. He has got the ability to do that.”

Broncos veteran Gehamat Shibasaki said Te Kura would do the job.

“Benny is a big boy. He has done really well and I am proud of him for how he has handled the pre-season and getting his body right and doing his reps in the Q Cup,” he said.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“He gives Patty (Carrigan) and Payne (Haas) a run for their money at training so I’m pretty sure if he can handle those boys he can handle anyone. “He’s matured a lot. He understood he had to get fit and get his body right. He’s done a lot of time with his extras and got his food right and what he needed to do to get in the team.

“Madge has seen that and he’s really deserved it.”

Broncos hooker Cory Paix said his role with Te Kura was straight forward.

“My job is pretty easy. I just have to give it to the big fella and he can run over the top of them,” Paix grinned.

“Ben has been working really hard in the Queensland Cup and deserves his opportunity. I am sure he will do a really good job.”

with AAP