‘Had no idea’: Emotional moment Meninga, Bears created history
Mal Meninga has made a monumental move as Perth Bears coach, officially signing the first local product from the club’s academy program.
Zane Murray, a talented teenage fullback, has inked a three-year deal with the NRL expansion franchise after impressing Bears officials.
Mal Meninga and Zane Murray after signing his contract. Instagram/@perthbears
The 15-year-old has come through the Bear Tracks Academy and will now spend time training with North Sydney as his development continues.
Meninga personally went to Murray’s house to deliver the contract, with a video posted to the club’s social media channels.
“It’s a fairly monumental for us as a club,” the inaugural Bears coach said.
“Through the academy, we feel Zane has a future in our game, so we’d like to offer him a contract for the Perth Bears – the first-ever contract for a junior, which is fantastic news for us in WA.
“It gives him an opportunity to go train with the North Sydney Bears and do a couple of trials, but stay involved with our program for the next three years.”
In a club statement, the West Australian product said it was a thrill to have Meninga visit him and his family for the historic moment.
“I was really excited to see Mal at the front door ... I had no idea he was coming. It was awesome for him to hand me the contract to sign,” Murray said.
"I am really excited for the opportunity. Being in the Tracks Academy has really helped me develop my game, where I have learned about giving 100 per cent at every training session and not leaving anything in the tank.
"When I heard about the Perth Bears, I knew it was my chance to live out my dream of playing in the NRL."
