Mal Meninga is likely to coach the Bears, starting recruitment in November for the 2027 season.
There's no hands-off edict or even any Canberra Raiders concerns Perth coach-in-waiting Mal Meninga will dine out on the Green Machine like a ravenous Bear that's just awoken from hibernation.
Meninga is tipped to be the inaugural Bears coach, with the NRL expansion team set to join the competition in 2027.
That means Perth and Meninga, if his appointment is finalised as expected, can start recruiting from November 1.