Perth Bears Head Coach and NRL Immortal Mal Meninga travelled to the Pilbara over the weekend to take part in the Pilbara Rugby League ANZAC Challenge and North West Gala Day – a landmark occasion for grassroots rugby league in WA.
The event, organised by the NRL’s 2025 Community Club of the Year Karratha Kangaroos Junior Rugby League and NRL WA, brought together teams from Broome, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland, celebrating community rugby league in the Pilbara.
In partnership with local clubs and NRL WA, the visit formed part of the Bears’ commitment to building genuine connections with regional communities in the state, recognising the important role grassroots rugby league plays in bringing people together, strengthening local participation, creating opportunities for young athletes and inspiring the next generation of stars.
Alongside the Pilbara Rugby League ANZAC Challenge and North West Gala Day, Meninga and NRL WA representatives, including NRL WA CEO John Sackson, took part in the Karratha Kangaroos Junior Rugby League Sportsman Dinner, clinics, school visits and community activities across the weekend.
The Bears’ ongoing investment in regional development reflects a shared belief that rugby league in WA is strongest when every corner of the state is included.
Mal Meninga, Perth Bears Head Coach said:
“I really enjoyed getting up to Karratha this weekend and seeing the love people in the community have for rugby league.”
“There’s some talented young players coming through the region and it was great to watch them play with so much passion, energy and pride.”
“What stood out the most was how much work the local clubs, volunteers and families put into making the weekend happen. To see so many people there, with some families driving hours to be part of it, says a lot about what rugby league means to them.”
John Sackson, NRL WA CEO, said:
“The arrival of the Bears is already creating real momentum for rugby league across WA and we witnessed that firsthand over the weekend.”
“The Karratha Kangaroos Junior Rugby League have seen a 40% increase in participation year-on-year and events like this are incredibly important in continuing to build that excitement.”
“Having Mal Meninga, a true legend of the game, involved across the weekend was incredibly special for the local community and provided a real source of inspiration for the next generation of players in the region.”
Josh Cruice, Karratha Kangaroos Junior Rugby League President, said:
“This weekend was about much more than just a game of rugby league – it was about bringing communities together, creating opportunities for regional players and showcasing the strength and passion for rugby league across regional WA.”
“To have Mal Meninga, the Perth Bears and NRL WA visit the Pilbara was incredibly special for our players and families. Opportunities like this mean a lot in regional communities and leave a lasting impact on rugby league players across the North West.”
“The growth of rugby league in the Pilbara over recent years has been enormous, and these events are only possible because of the support of volunteers, local clubs, sponsors and the wider community.”
The Pilbara Rugby League ANZAC Challenge and North West Gala Day was held on 23 May at the Karratha Leisureplex Fields, with the event attracting a crowd of more than 3,500 rugby league fans.
The Perth Bears thank and congratulate everyone who played a part in making the weekend such a success, particularly the Karratha Kangaroos Junior Rugby League whose incredible volunteers worked tirelessly to bring the event to life.
