How Meninga is building the Perth Bears from scratch

The Perth Bears have 26 players locked in and four roster spots left to fill, and Rugby League Immortal Mal Meninga is in no hurry to fill them.

Speaking to Sportsday WA, the inaugural coach explained the thinking behind the club's recruitment so far. It's been less about landing the biggest name available and more about players with room to grow.

"We knew when we started talking to these players that their better years were in front of them," Meninga said. "I think strategically we've done really well. I believe our side will be very, very competitive."

Jonathan Sua is the latest to fit that mould. The 22-year-old is crossing from Canterbury-Bankstown, where he'd found himself stuck behind an established backline.

"He's one of those bright young talents that's starting to find his feet," Meninga said. "There's so much upside to his career. He's coming over here for an opportunity."

It's not just about game time. Meninga's pitch to players leans heavily on Perth itself.

"What's really important is that they're coming over here because they want to be here," he said. "We talk about living in WA, how great Perth is, plenty of opportunity for them obviously to play in the NRL at a consistent level. We want to be part of the WA community."

"We've got 26, so we can sort of hold fire for a little bit," Meninga said.

"We're really comfortable with our squad. We've got four spots left, and I believe we can be patient in the way we go about our business."

"What I'd like to see is the Perth Bears develop an identity around who we are and the fact we are representing WA.

"We want our fans and our supporters to see that."

Meninga's called the job a "legacy piece" — a chance to give rugby league a real foothold in a state.

"I just want to give my all to make sure that rugby league has a future home over here in WA."