Rugby league legend Mal Meninga. Photo: Photosport
Meninga will step down as Australia coach to take on the role with the Bears, which were announced as the NRL's 18th franchise last month.
"Personally, this is one of the most exciting challenges of my career," Meninga said.
"To have the opportunity to take our great game back to Western Australia to start a new team, and to bring with it a much-loved rugby league community and heritage brand in the Bears.
"It's a great privilege and responsibility I've been given to be one of the leaders in the formation of the club, and I'm looking forward getting to stuck into the work that needs to be done to deliver a team that represents WA and is competitive from day one."
Meninga, a rugby league Immortal, has previously coached in the NRL, having led the Canberra Raiders between 1997 and 2001.
The Bears' return to the NRL is a just reward for the diehard fans who kept the red and black colours alive during a period in the wilderness.
He made a name for himself as a representative coach, however, guiding Queensland to nine State of Origin series victories, including eight straight (2006-2013).
Meninga had coached the Kangaroos from 2016 until now, winning two World Cups during his tenure.
While in charge of the national team, he managed 26 wins from 29 Tests.
Mal Meninga (front) and the Canberra Raiders celebrate winning the NRL final in 1994. Photo: Photosport
As a player, Meninga captained the Kangaroos between 1990 and 1994, and skippered the Raiders to three premierships (1989-1990 and 1994).
Bears chief executive Anthony De Ceglie said Meninga was an ideal choice to coach the expansion club.
"We're extremely honoured that Mal has signed on to become the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears," he said.
"Mal is not just an Immortal of the NRL but an immortal of the Australian sporting landscape.
"He is an icon whose leadership qualities such as courage, honesty and hard work are rightly renowned across the country and make him the perfect coach to build a brand new team from the ground up."
- ABC
