Meninga's coaching career is defined by extraordinary achievements: an unmatched eight consecutive State of Origin series wins, a World Cup victory with Australia, and now a return to elite club coaching. His influence on the game (strategically, culturally, and symbolically) has been profound and enduring.
On 6 June 2025, Mal Meninga was unveiled as the inaugural head coach of the newly established Perth Bears, the NRL’s 18th franchise. Scheduled to join the competition in 2027, the club has entrusted Meninga with building its foundations and guiding its early development. He committed to coaching through the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
This return to NRL club coaching – his first since 2001 – necessitated his resignation as Australian Test coach, bringing an end to a monumental chapter in national representation. The Australian Rugby League Commission will appoint his successor.
Canberra Raiders
Meninga’s coaching career is defined by extraordinary achievements: an unmatched eight consecutive State of Origin series wins, a World Cup victory with Australia, and now a return to elite club coaching. His influence on the game – strategically, culturally, and symbolically – has been profound and enduring.
Meninga succeeded long-time coach Tim Sheens as Raiders coach in 1997. Although his tenure delivered only modest success, his contributions to the sport were widely recognised. In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his role in enhancing Australia’s international profile in rugby league. In 2001, he received the Centenary Medal for his impact as a role model and elite-level player.
After the Raiders finished 11th out of 14 teams and missed the finals in the 2001 NRL season, Meninga was replaced by Matthew Elliott. The following year, he expressed interest in coaching the Queensland State of Origin side.
In 2003, during the Rugby Union World Cup, he participated in Wales’ pre-match preparations at the request of assistant coach Scott Johnson, presenting players with their jerseys.
Queensland State of Origin
In late 2005, Meninga was appointed coach of the Queensland Maroons, replacing Michael Hagan. His tenure would become the most successful in State of Origin history.
Meninga made an immediate impact, guiding Queensland to a 2–1 series victory in his debut year (2006)—their first outright win since 2001. That same year, he also coached the Prime Minister’s XIII to victory over Papua New Guinea and was honoured at the Challenge Cup Final in Wembley as a guest of his former club, St Helens.
He was reappointed in October 2006 to lead the Maroons in the 2007 and 2008 Origin series, both of which Queensland won, extending his perfect coaching record. After the 2008 series, Meninga declared his ambition to win six consecutive series. He continued to deliver, with Queensland securing a record fourth straight series win in 2009.
In recognition of his achievements, Meninga was named Coach of the Year at the 2009 Queensland Sports Awards.
Record-Breaking Success
Meninga guided Queensland to further series victories in 2010 and 2011. Following the sixth consecutive win, he published a controversial column in The Sunday Mail, criticising the New South Wales media and match review panel, whom he accused of undermining Queensland’s campaign. Though legal action was threatened, the matter was ultimately resolved, and Meninga stood by his comments.
His dominance continued. In 2013, Queensland, under Meninga’s leadership, claimed an eighth consecutive series victory. Notably, this marked the third time he faced a State of Origin coaching opponent who had been his teammate in the 1990 Canberra Raiders premiership team—this time, Laurie Daley.
In 2014, Queensland’s unprecedented winning streak came to an end, but they still outscored the Blues across all three games. He rebounded in 2015, leading Queensland to a resounding 52–6 victory in the series decider, securing a ninth win in ten years.
Prime Minister’s XIII
From 2005 to 2012, Meninga coached the Prime Minister’s XIII in eight matches, winning seven and drawing one. He was succeeded by Laurie Daley in 2013.
Australian National Team
On 2 December 2015, Meninga was appointed head coach of the Australian national team, succeeding Tim Sheens. In line with ARL policy, this required him to relinquish the Queensland Origin role. He voiced his commitment to restoring international rugby league as the pinnacle of the sport, reflecting the values of his playing era.
Under his leadership, Australia won the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, reaffirming their dominance on the global stage.
In October 2022, Meninga named the Kangaroos squad for the delayed 2021 Rugby League World Cup. He coached the team to victory in the final over Samoa, securing another world title.