Perth Bears head coach and Australian rugby league icon Mal Meninga has revealed that he has previously tried to sign Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman earlier in his career.
Newman, along with Leeds teammates James McDonnell and Mikolaj Oledzki, will all depart Headingley at the end of 2026 to go and join the new NRL franchise, who join into the league in February next year.
They are three of 16 players currently signed for the Western Australia outfit, meaning around half of their recruitment is complete at this stage, which is somewhat of a concern given most players already have their futures sorted and pre-season for next year will commence in just seven months time.
Regardless of that, Meninga knows he has three hungry and driven players arriving from West Yorkshire, all of whom are determined to be a success in the NRL.
Speaking on the Perth Bears podcast earlier this week, the former Kangaroos coach couldn’t speak highly enough of the Rhinos three, with Meninga also revealing that Newman in particular is someone who has caught his interest for a while.
“When we talk about the English competition, some people don’t like the competition – I particularly do,” Meninga said. “I like the fact they play a different style of rugby league to what we do.
“…If you can corral an English player that’s got good skill, good leg speed, a good attitude to training, which all the Leeds boys have under Brad Arthur, that’s a big plus in my mind because they’re used to the standards that an Aussie coach demands.”
Another factor the Leeds trio bring to the club is the relationship they already have with each other, making their move down under that much easier. Starting up a new team with 30 new players is always going to be difficult, so having players who are familiar to one another already will be a big helping hand.
Perth Bears boss explains signings of Leeds Rhinos contingent
Speaking on Newman in particular, the centre’s future boss said: “I’ve had an eye on Harry for quite a long time, since he was about 18.
“I’ve been involved with the [Canberra] Raiders and then I was involved with the [Gold Coast] Titans as well. Harry, as a young fellow was an excellent prospect and we tried to court him way back.
“In that time he’s ebbed and flowed, he’s had a few injuries, but he’s an international player and he wants to prove himself.”
Oledzki has also been tipped for a big role in the NRL, having made appearances in the recent Ashes tournament for England against Australia.
“Big Mik Oledzki, he’s this big unit,” explained the boss. “He’s 6’4, 109kg, but he’s quick off the ground and he’s a starter.
“He’s got plenty of experience and he’s played for England.”
“He’s a beast. He’s a huge human being… He’s 27 years of age. We signed him on a three year contract. We’re going to get the best out of ‘Big Mik’.”
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