Based on the latest news, former representative Sam Thaiday is throwing his support behind Mal Meninga for a potential coaching role with the Brisbane Bears. While specific details regarding the Brisbane Bears and their coaching needs are limited in the provided search results, Thaiday's endorsement of Meninga carries significant weight due to their shared history and Meninga's proven track record in the sport.
Thaiday and Meninga have a long-standing relationship dating back to 2006 when Meninga handed Thaiday his Origin debut. Their bond extends beyond the field, with Thaiday having been an integral part of the Kangaroos squad, even penning an ode during the Four Nations tour in Europe in 2016, showcasing his respect and admiration for Meninga's leadership.
Meninga's coaching accolades speak for themselves. He boasts an impressive record, particularly his success with the Queensland Maroons in State of Origin series. Thaiday played in all but one of Queensland's Origin series wins under Meninga, experiencing firsthand the coach's winning formula. He noted that Meninga relied on senior players to devise game plans, a strategy he considered smart, as those players are the ones on the field.
Meninga's coaching extends to the national level, where he has led the Australian Kangaroos. Even when choosing to go without assistant coaches, Meninga leaned on the experience of veteran players to guide the team, showing his trust in the players and their deep understanding of the game.
Thaiday's backing of Meninga for the Bears' coaching role suggests that he believes Meninga possesses the qualities to lead the team to success. Meninga's ability to foster a winning culture, build strong relationships with players, and strategically utilize their strengths make him a strong candidate for any coaching position.
Given Thaiday's endorsement and Meninga's proven track record, the potential of Meninga coaching the Bears is an exciting prospect. While this article is based on available information, further developments may provide more clarity on the situation.