Perth are looking to be a fierce contender when they join the NRL!
The Perth Bears are set to be joining the NRL in 2027 and they’ve wasted no time getting their club going. They’ve already got a head coach sorted with the incredible Mal Meninga, but today they’ve announced signing Ben Gardiner as assistant coach. If you’ve not heard of Ben Gardiner then it’s time to change that, he’s recently been the assistant coach for the Penrith Panthers during their 2023 and 2024 premierships and he is also the current Samoa international head coach.
Gardiner has worked in the industry for over two decades and has been at clubs including: Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and the West Tigers. Gardiner has expressed his excitement in being part of a new and developing team in the NRL:
“I can’t wait to work closely with new people in Western Australia and build a hugely successful team over the next five years as we promote rugby league and grow the game,… I have had a close relationship with the North Sydney Bears for a number of years where I was able to coach the NSW Cup team and work in coaching and recruitment, as well as with the women’s team… These experiences allowed me to understand what makes that great club tick… I have been able to experience success in winning systems across a number of elite clubs in the NRL and look forward to sharing that knowledge,”
Head Coach Mal Meninga also commented on the appointment of Gardiner as assistant coach saying:
“He has worked with some great clubs and teams, at Premiership and representative level, and he also has Bears DNA to add to his prolific experience,… I look forward to Ben helping us to build a club and culture which will set the Bears’ future on the right path”.
Ben Gardiner will be commencing his role with the Perth Bears when the 2025 NRL season has concluded. He will also continue to be the head coach of Samoa International.
