Sam Burgess and Brad Arthur dealt Perth Bears blow as Hull KR boss named as shock contender

As the search for Perth Bears’ new head coach continues, Super League pair Sam Burgess and Brad Arthur have been dealt a blow to their chances with Hull KR boss Willie Peters named a “smokey” for the gig.

Confirmation that Perth Bears will join the NRL from 2027 came last week but the talk of who will be the head coach of the competition’s 18th club has rumbled on for far longer than that.

Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur seemed to be the unchallenged favourite with previous reports stating that a $5.5 million offer was on the table for him, whilst Sam Burgess, who has spoken on the role, was also named on the shortlist.

In recent days, Australia head coach and rugby league legend Mal Meninga has thrown his hat into the ring with his possible candidacy seemingly blowing Arthur, Burgess and others out of the water.

That’s the view of NRL journalist David Riccio who has now named Hull KR head coach Willie Peters as someone who could also be on the shortlist, at least for an assistant coach gig if not the top job.

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters touted for NRL job

Appearing on the Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy show, the latter of the hosts, Greg Alexander, reacted to the news of Mal Meninga’s interest and the previously unchallenged status of Brad Arthur.

He explained: “I found it very bizarre that there was no one else being thrown up. Mal puts his name forward and I think he will have tightened right into even money.

“I don’t think Mal puts his name forward unless he’s getting it. I think Mal is getting the job.”

Journalist David Riccio responded: “You’re right and just on the Brad Arthur front, it just felt like it was a fate to complete that Brad would lead the arrival of a new Western Australian franchise.

“The more I think about this, I’m with you. They need a flagbearer, they need a big name to say that ‘we’re the new team in town’ and Mal Meninga gives an immediate presence.”

Despite Meninga’s status in rugby league, his coaching in recent years has been at an international level leading Riccio to claim that “the key will be who the assistant is”, and that saw Hull KR head coach Willie Peters named as an option.

“I think Sam Burgess is an obvious name that is being bandied around,” stated Riccio, before adding: “There is a smokey and I’ll say Willie Peters. There’s an increasing belief that he has the stocks and the goods to be an NRL coach and I wouldn’t be shocked if he is a candidate to be that understudy.”

Peters is currently contracted to Hull KR until the end of the 2028 season, by which point Perth will have been in the NRL for two years.