MAL MENINGA SAYS PILBARA KIDS CAN DREAM BIG WITH PERTH BEARS
BY TANGIORA HINAKI
Rugby league Immortal Mal Meninga says young people in regional Western Australia should believe they can one day play in the NRL, as the new Perth Bears franchise looks to grow the game beyond the city.
Meninga spent the weekend in Karratha for the ANZAC Australia versus New Zealand rugby league clash and a special community dinner held ahead of the Pilbara Roos versus Pilbara Kiwis match.
The Pilbara Kiwis defeated the Pilbara Roos 34 points to 12 on Saturday night.
‘A diamond in the rough somewhere’
Speaking to Ngaarda Media before Saturday’s clash, Meninga said regional communities across WA had always produced talented athletes and rugby league needed to invest outside Perth.
“There’s got to be a diamond in the rough somewhere,” he said.
“It’s really important that we get to all areas and showcase our game, but give the aspiration to kids that they can come play NRL from any region, any place, any township in Western Australia.”
Meninga said First Nations and regional players already had strong sporting ability and rugby league could offer another pathway alongside AFL.
“They’re all talented, skilful athletes, boys and girls, that will do really well in anything they put their mind to,” he said.
“We’re just going to give them another opportunity and another avenue for rugby league.”
He also spoke about the importance of representation for Pacific and First Nations children in regional Australia.
“Sport is central to Australian culture and regardless of what sports you play, we can all excel given the opportunity,” he said.
Meninga praised volunteers, parents and local sporting clubs, saying regional communities were critical to developing the next generation of players.
State of Origin built belief in Queensland
At Friday night’s community dinner, Meninga reflected on the birth of State of Origin and how Queensland’s early teams transformed rugby league culture.
He recalled running onto Lang Park alongside Arthur Beetson during the inaugural Origin match in 1980.
At the time, Queensland had not won an interstate series since 1959.
“We didn’t believe that we could win a game. It was just great to be picked for Queensland,” he said.
Meninga said the first Origin win changed the mindset of Queensland rugby league forever.
“It was just a great time for Queensland rugby league, self-belief, and you never would have guessed what it’s turned into today.”
The former Australian coach later used those same lessons while rebuilding Queensland’s State of Origin side in 2006 after three straight series losses.
He said many younger players did not fully understand why the maroon jersey mattered until former players returned to tell stories about the history of Origin.
“They had no idea, no concept of why Origin was born,” he said.
“So we told that story and then all of a sudden it dawned on them how important it was.”
‘Your toughest opponent is yourself’
Meninga also spoke about leadership, discipline and personal growth, saying success in sport started with self-awareness.
“Leadership starts with understanding who you are,” he said.
“Your toughest opponent is yourself.”
He said talent alone was never enough to succeed at the highest level.
“I’ve seen so many talented players… but they just didn’t have the discipline or the commitment.”
“I prefer to go with a player that’s going to go out there and have a go and get the job done than the most talented player.”
The weekend events brought together rugby league families, former players, juniors and supporters from across the Pilbara to celebrate the growth of the game in regional Western Australia.