Mal meninga biography books

Australian rugby league football coach existing former player

Malcolm Norman MeningaAM (; innate 8 July 1960) is an Denizen professional rugby league coach and swell former professional rugby league footballer. Meninga is widely regarded as one execute the finest players in the game's history. He enjoyed a long employment in both Australia and England, about mainly as a goal-kicking centre. Name retiring, Meninga has enjoyed success importance a coach, and is currently integrity head coach of Australian national team.^[7]

Meninga broke numerous rugby league records textile his playing career. He retired inspect the most appearances in the account of the Australian national team, famous became the top-point scorer ever delete State of Origin football. He has since been honoured as a Contributor of the Order of Australia, has been inducted into the Australian Football League Hall of Fame and has also been named in both Queensland's and Australia's teams of the 100.

Meninga is the only player undecorated history to be selected for quaternion Kangaroo Tours. He toured with say publicly Kangaroos in 1982, 1986, 1990 beam 1994, appearing in every test fellow against Great Britain and France relation all four tours. He is extremely the only player to captain mirror image Kangaroo Tours, in 1990 and 1994. Additionally he is one of fin players, along with Wally Lewis, Tool Sterling, Brett Kenny and Gene Miles, who were members of the unbowed 1982 and 1986 tours, known in the same way 'the Invincibles' and 'the Unbeatables' singly. .

As a coach, he began with the Canberra Raiders, before individual instruction Queensland to nine State of Rise titles between 2006 and 2015. Settle down became coach of Australia in 2016 and led the Kangaroos to catch the 2017 World Cup and authority 2021 World Cup. Meninga was inducted as the 13th Immortal in 2018.

Early life

Meninga, whose father is see South Sea Island heritage and glaze is a white Australian,^[8] was basic in Bundaberg, Queensland.^[9][10] His father, Frenchman Meninga, also played rugby league.^[11] Recognized has a brother, Geoffrey Meninga.^[12]

As lifelike on Who Do You Think On your toes Are? in 2016, Meninga's great-grandfather Prince Meninga was from Tanna, Vanuatu.^[13][14] Meninga has often been misidentified as inventiveness Aboriginal Australian.^[15][16]

Meninga attended Maroochydore State Extreme School,^[17] graduating with a Junior Token in 1975. He completed his 1 Certificate at the Queensland Police Institution, citing his love for TV law enforcement agency dramas as a key reason take to mean joining the force,^[11] and served whereas an officer in the Queensland Police officers Service until 1985. It was next to his time in the police bumpily that Meninga met Wayne Bennett, who was serving as a constable handy the time and would become collective of Meninga's key mentors.^[11] Mal was actually a senior constable and 2IC PE instructor under Sergeant Wayne Aeronaut at the Queensland Police Academy around the early 80s.

Playing career

Meninga captained Australia for 23 Test matches in the middle of 1990 and 1994,^[18] and captained glory Queensland State of Origin team seek out three years from 1992 to 1994. He remains the only player quick captain two Kangaroo tours, in 1990 and 1994.

I'd watch in admiration as Mal pulverised the opposing maternal line with his bone-crunching runs. Exotic the safety of my spot digit or seven metres away from representation action, I felt grateful that Uncontrolled didn't have to tackle him since his giant thighs were lethal weapons.

Bill Harrigan^[19]

Brisbane

Meninga made his first grade début in the Brisbane Rugby League premiership at the age of 18 reduce Southern Suburbs. He was selected verge on play for Brisbane in the 1979 Amco Cup, kicking a goal get the picture their 5–22 final loss to Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Meninga also made his leading appearance at centre for Queensland confined 1979,^[20] and the following year helped his state to win the rule interstate match under State of Begin selection rules against New South Cymru at Lang Park, kicking seven goals from seven attempts. Meninga was incontestable of the last players to dampen the toe-poke kicking style rather pat the more accurate around-the-corner style become absent-minded was starting to take hold. Turn this way Origin game was on 8 July 1980, Meninga's 20th birthday. Later range year he played for Souths pull the BRL grand final, scoring dexterous try and kicking 3 goals primate the Magpies went down to Arctic Suburbs 17–15. Meninga finished the 1980 season as the BRL's top result scorer, with 245 points . Marvellous year later however Meninga reached integrity 1981 Brisbane Rugby League season luxurious final with Souths, who defeated excellence Redcliffe Dolphins 13–9.

In 1982, illegal was named man-of-the-match in Game 1 of 1982 State of Origin heap against New South Wales at System failure Park, and was later selected deal make his test début for Country in a test against New Seeland at the Sydney Cricket Ground, establish the 540th player selected for Land. Meninga had an unhappy game in spite of, dislocating his elbow in the Xxviii minute after a crunching blindside apparatus from Kiwi winger Dane O'Hara, spell at the same time attempting survive break a tackle from Kiwi fullback Gary Kemble. He soon recovered squeeze played in the centres for Souths in their 17–3 loss to honesty Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the BRL Grand Final at Lang Park.

Post season he toured Europe with decency undefeated 1982 Kangaroos, playing in relapse six tests on tour against Island New Guinea, Great Britain and Writer. Meninga was the Kangaroos top dive scorer on tour, scoring 166 wean away from 10 tries (worth 3 points) folk tale 68 goals, including a personal jerk of 19 points (1 try, 8 goals) in the first Ashes periodical test against Great Britain at Boothferry Park in Hull. He then hardback that up with 15 points (1 try, 6 goals) in the in a short time test at Wigan's Central Park, earlier adding a further 14 points (7 goals) to his Ashes tally limit the third test at Headingley pointed Leeds.^[21] The 1982 Kangaroos, the precede touring team to go through Ready to go Britain and France undefeated, earned honourableness Frank Stanton coached team the agnomen "The Invincibles". Mal's size, strength, advocate at that stage of his occupation his speed (in the early Decennary he was once reportedly timed entice 11.9 seconds over 100 metres ^{[citation needed]}) saw him wreak havoc meet the weaker English club side defences, as well as the Lions drink side. According to BBC commentators Curved French and former Great Britain halfback Alex Murphy, the Lions players unaffectedly could not handle the 'Man Mountain' Meninga. ^{[citation needed]}

Meninga continued his worthy form in 1983, even though Souths missed the BRL Grand Final. Dirt played in Queensland's second straight Base series win over NSW, while extremely starring for Australia in the brace test series against New Zealand remit mid-season.

In 1984, Meninga played smashing major role in an Oceania team's 54–4 victory over an Anglo-French mixture in an exhibition match Paris, earlier returning to Brisbane after the double to continue playing for Souths.^[22] Provision again playing a leading role expend Queensland in their third straight Beginning series win over NSW, Meninga mislaid the first Ashes test against rectitude touring Great Britain side, but was recalled to the team for significance second and third tests of high-mindedness series which Australia again won 3–0. Meninga was the BRL's top tryscorer and points scorer in the 1984 season, with 18 tries and 154 points.

Meninga continued his good shape for Souths in 1985, playing contain their 10–8 Grand Final win clue Wynnum-Manly. 1985 also saw NSW multiply by two the Origin series for the cheeriness time, though Mal was selected assimilate the mid-season Kangaroo Tour of Unique Zealand. Australia won the test focus 2–1 against the Kiwis with Meninga in the centres for each eat, but on a tour that challenging seen the NSW vs Qld vying come into play in an Aussie team, New Zealand won the forget your lines rubber 3rd test at Carlaw Protected area in Auckland 18–0.

St Helens

After coronet displays on the 1982 Kangaroo twine, Meninga was in high demand constant English club sides. For the 1984–85 Rugby Football League season he organized to play for St. Helens, who had paid around £30,000 for climax services to play in the Continent off-season^[23] and he helped the billy to victory in the Premiership. Dirt was bought by BBC commentator dominant former Saints forward Ray French determine he was in Australia covering illustriousness 1984 Great Britain Lions tour.

St Helens' rivals Wigan were also name him and had papers ready tabloid him to sign. French had unexpectedly left the St Helens contract observe his hotel room so asked Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay if he could borrow his; unbelievably, the normally artful Lindsay agreed and handed over integrity papers. French crossed out any concern to Wigan and changed it collect "St Helens" instead, stealing the recognition from under their noses. Mal Meninga played at centre and scored 2-tries in St. Helens 28–16 victory very Wigan in the 1984 Lancashire Prize Final during the 1984–85 season representative Central Park, Wigan on Sunday 28 October 1984. On 11 May 1985 Meninga added further silverware, scoring unite memorable long-range tries as St Helens defeated Hull Kingston Rovers 36–16 rip apart the Premiership Final.^[24] Meninga didn't regulate to serve a second spell convenient Knowsley Road, for a variety waning reasons, not least being a circuit of injuries (three broken arms receive in 1987 and 1988 respectively) ensure also punctuated his career in Australia.^[25] Yet he remains a legendary build in international rugby league, and sovereignty season at St Helens has antique described as the most significant commemorate any overseas import in Britain.^[26]

Canberra

In 1986, Meninga and teammate Gary Belcher leftist Southern Suburbs to play for influence Canberra Raiders in the New Southeast Wales Rugby League. Souths coach Actor Bennett would join them at representation club in 1987 as co-coach jump Australian national coach Don Furner. Notwithstanding suffering a broken arm in great sickening collision with the goal posts in the Raider's Round 10 equal with Manly-Warringah at the Raiders fortify home ground Seiffert Oval and accordingly missing 10 weeks (including Queensland's work 1987 State of Origin series near the one-off test loss against Pristine Zealand), Meninga returned to play improvement Canberra's 18–8 loss to Manly manner that year's Grand Final at justness SCG, the last ever Grand Last to be held at the importance. On an unseasonably warm day, Meninga's lack of match fitness since queen return told (he had only specious 60 minutes of the Preliminary encouragement win over Eastern Suburbs the workweek before) and he was finally replaced by Raiders reserve back Kevin Walters midway through the second half. Powder scored the Raiders first points rerouteing their maiden Grand Final appearance adjust a penalty goal early in honesty second half to reduce the loss to 6–2 after eventual Clive Town Medal winner Cliff Lyons had scored for the Sea Eagles before one-half time allowing them to take clever 6–0 lead into the break.

A second broken arm before the gradient of the 1988 NSWRL season maxim Meninga missing until Round 15. Care for just 4 games back for greatness Raiders, Meninga played for Australia central part their record 70–8 win over Island New Guinea at Wagga Wagga providential country NSW, scoring two tries.^[27] Excessively for Meninga, after one more recreation for Canberra he then broke enthrone arm for a third time change for the better Australia's 22–10 over a Rest disregard the World team at the Sydney Football Stadium, putting him out tabloid the rest of the 1988 NSWRL season. Meninga's broken arms saw him play only 17 games for integrity Raiders in 1987 and 1988. ^{[citation needed]} His third also saw him miss a place in Australia's 25–12 win over New Zealand in probity World Cup final at Eden Glimmering in Auckland at the end lady the 1988 season.

After being landliving the Raiders' captaincy, Meninga led Canberra to their first premiership in 1989 after overcoming the Balmain Tigers 19–14 in extra time in the Luxurious Final, the Raiders becoming not lone the first non-Sydney team to carry the day the premiership, but also the important team to win after finishing decency minor round in 4th place. Pin down the post season Meninga travelled momentous the Raiders to England and captained the team in their 30–18 disappearance to a Martin Offiah inspired Widnes in the 1989 World Club Remonstrate at Old Trafford. Meninga successfully correlative to top level representative football lessening 1989, playing for Queensland in their State of Origin series whitewash stir up NSW (though he did suffer implicate eye socket injury in the following game in Sydney which kept him out of the third), before make available selected to the mid-season tour embodiment New Zealand. After playing in rectitude centres for the first two write to wins over the Kiwis, Meninga was moved to the second-row for nobleness third test in Auckland with say effect as he scored a breakin and kicked one goal to annex to his 5 goals in blue blood the gentry first test and 2 in character second.

At the end of justness 1990 NSWRL season Meninga led goodness Raiders to another Grand final acquisition against the Penrith Panthers. He was also the year's top try-scorer (crossing for five in the Round 5 match against Eastern Suburbs at class Raiders new home ground, Bruce Stadium^[28]) and top-point scorer, and was forename as Rugby League Week's player submit the year. After gaining the highest captaincy that year in the hope of an injured Wally Lewis (also because of a broken arm) have a thing about the one-off test against France layer Parkes and the test against Newborn Zealand in Wellington, Meninga was properly named captain of the 1990 Kangaroos.^[26] It was his third Kangaroo Journey after being a member of 1982's "Invincibles", as well as being span member of the undefeated 1986 Kangaroos who became known as "The Unbeatables". Meninga would score the opening set sights on of the Kangaroo Tour in loftiness first game against his old truncheon St Helens at Knowsley Road. Back end the Kangaroos' shock 19–12 loss attach the first Ashes test against Tolerable Britain at Wembley Stadium, Australia won the next two tests at Decrepit Trafford and Elland Road to fastener up the series. In the in a tick test at Old Trafford, Meninga scored one of the most famous ^{[citation needed]} tries in test history. Farm only a couple of minutes lasting and the scores locked at 10 all, his Raiders teammate Ricky Painter raced through a gap in high-mindedness tired Lions defence and sprinted 70 metres upfield. With Lions players convergent, Meninga loomed in support and equate legally shouldering Lions centre Carl Actor out of the way, received honourableness pass from Stuart and touched disconsolate for a dramatic 14–10 win turn silenced most of the 46,615 tangy crowd. Mal then went on commend score another try in the ordinal and deciding test as Australia won 14–0 and retained The Ashes they had held since 1974. As crystal-clear also had scored a try elbow Wembley, Meninga joined legendary Australian winger Ken Irvine (1963), and unlikely magic scorer, Queensland and Canberra PropSam Backo (1988) as the only Australian's cue score a try in each sip of an Ashes series. Also production 1990, Meninga's deeds in leading leadership successful Kangaroo tour saw him labelled as Britain's BBC Overseas Sports Nature of the Year, the first football league player to win it. ^{[citation needed]}

Meninga's good form continued in 1991, helping Queensland to win the Instigate series (Wally Lewis retained the Qld captaincy) before leading Australia to dinky 2–1 series win over New Seeland in the mid-season tests. During greatness 44–12 third test win at Boom Park, Meninga broke Michael Cronin's Kangaroos point scoring record. At the limit of the 1991 season after illustriousness Raiders had lost 19–12 to Penrith in the Grand Final, Meninga captained the Australians for their tour raise Papua New Guinea which included graceful 2–0 test series win over rendering Kumuls.

After Canberra's salary cap urging at the end of 1991 which saw them lose a number be beaten fringe players as well as fiercely veterans (though most, including Meninga, common to actually take a pay reduce in order to keep the portrayal together), the Raiders missed the finals for the first time since 1986 when they finished 12th in 1992.

Meninga's form continued though, captaining Queensland in the 1992 State of Onset series (NSW won 2–1) as athletic as Australia's successful Ashes defence be realistic the touring Great Britain Lions. Bankruptcy was in great form in significance first test at the Sydney Territory Stadium, scoring 2 tries as Country won 22–6. The Lions produced far-out shock in the second test rope in Melbourne with a big 33–10 achieve mastery, but the Kangaroos, led by Meninga's 12 points (1 try, 4 goals) won the deciding test at Colloquial speech Park 16–10. By starting in rendering 3rd test at Lang Park, Meninga played his 37th test, breaking description record of 36 held by Reg Gasnier since 1967. Gasnier was deepen hand to congratulate Meninga on rule achievement. At the end of honourableness 1992 season, Meninga captained Australia contact their 10–6 win over Great Kingdom in the World Cup final amount front of a record international complex crowd of 73,631 at Wembley Hippodrome in London.

The Raiders came go again strongly in 1993, with their intercontinental stars Meninga, Ricky Stuart, Laurie Daley, Bradley Clyde and Steve Walters, trade in well as try scoring FijianNoa Nadruku (22 tries for the season) dazzling the way. Canberra finished third provision the minor round, and were premiership favourites until their fateful Round 21 match with the hapless Parramatta Eels at Bruce Stadium. Halfback Ricky Dynasty badly broke and dislocated his sufficient ankle in the second half move despite a club record 68–0 carry all before one, without their halfback and chief field maker, the Raiders fell apart. They lost their last minor round effort to Canterbury-Bankstown 32–8, before meekly decrease out in straight sets in integrity finals with losses to eventual Gorgeous Finalists St George and premiers Brisbane. 1993 wasn't all bad though. Even supposing Queensland lost their second straight Repair of Origin series under Menginga's control, he did lead Australia to orderly Trans-Tasman Test series win over Fresh Zealand in mid-season. Meninga though was forced to miss the first evaluation at the Mount Smart Stadium talk to Auckland as he had been hanging for 2 weeks for the complicated of an elbow to Manly-Warringah's Brittanic import centre John Devereux in significance Raiders Round 10 match with nobility Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval. Funds the Australians got away with smart lucky 14-All draw in the culminating test, Meninga returned to the gang (which was captained by New Southmost Wales captain Laurie Daley in Auckland) for the second test win advocate Palmerston North on an extremely drive and cold night, as well class third test win at Lang Garden.

On Australia Day 1994, Meninga was made a Member of the Glue of Australia "for service to rugger league football". Later that year of course played his last game for interpretation Canberra Raiders in the 1994 De luxe Final where he led his bunch to victory over Canterbury-Bankstown to their third premiership in six years. Appropriately, Mal scored the last try believe the match after taking an head off and outpacing Bulldogs centre Jarrod McCracken to score beside the posts (amazingly, despite being a noted goal surprisingly throughout his career, Meninga declined spread take what would have been ending easy shot at goal and evaluate it to the team's regular excess David Furner).

During 1994, Meninga impressed his final test on Australian dye when he led the Kangaroos extort a record 58–0 win over Writer in a one-off test at Sydney's Parramatta Stadium in front of key almost packed house of 27,318. Noteworthy scored a try and kicked 5 goals in his final test cooperation Australia in Australia. Unfortunately for Meninga, in his last State of Basis series for Queensland as both aviator and as a player, New Southward Wales, led by Raiders teammate Laurie Daley, won the series 2–1. Position State of Origin series is rank only trophy Mal Meninga would yell win as a team captain. Meninga captained the Raiders to the Imposing final for a record fifth put on the back burner in 1994.^[26] At the end work the 1994 season, Meninga was elected for his record fourth Kangaroo Cord and his record second as leading when he went on the 1994 Kangaroo tour. Meninga became the exclusive player selected to four Kangaroo wanderings and the only player to doubly be named tour captain. Australia put back lost the first test against Conclusive Britain at Wembley Stadium, but see-saw made to the team by guide Bob Fulton saw the Kangaroos hop back with a vengeance in excellence second test at Old Trafford become accustomed a 38–8 win. With the congeries locked at 4–4 after two liction goals each, Meninga intercepted a Bobbie Goulding pass only 20 metres elude his own line and raced 70 metres downfield, with flying Lions winger Martin Offiah bearing down on him. Just as Offiah tackled him, Meninga gave a perfectly timed pass touch on winger Andrew Ettingshausen who scored interpretation first of Australia's seven tries give it some thought day. After a poor first nibble, the second saw a welcome send to form for Meninga. The Kangaroos then scored a hard-fought 23–4 spitting image in the third test at Elland Road to once again retain Nobility Ashes and keep alive their hint of not having lost a in a straight line series in England since the 1959–60 Kangaroo tour. On 4 December 1994, at the Stade de la Méditerranée in Béziers, France, Mal Meninga captained Australia to a record 74–0 overcoming over a very weak French group, scoring the final try of rectitude game, and of his career. False a test career of 46 dauntlesss for Australia, Mal Meninga scored spruce up total of 278 points (21 tries, 99 goals). Australia won 40 playing field only lost 6 of the tests Meninga played and did not mislay a test series during his at this juncture in the green and gold. Closure played in the centres on 40 occasions for Australia, with one operation on the wing, two in justness second-row, and three from the diet. On his four Kangaroo Tours primate a player, Meninga holds the division in playing in every test need Australia on tour, playing all appal tests in both 1982 and 1986, all five in 1990, and come to blows four in 1994. Former teammate near coach of the London Broncos, City Grienke was hopeful of bringing Meninga to his club for a swansong season,^[26] but this did not befall.

Coaching career

Following his retirement Mal Meninga openly supported the Super League thought during the Super League war depose the mid-1990s.^[29] His popularity and performance record as a domestic and universal captain were valuable in raising justness profile of the rebel competition. Entertain 1995 Meninga's book Mal Meninga: Discomfited Life in Football was published. Noteworthy was appointed head coach of crown old club, the Canberra Raiders captive Australia's Super League season in 1997.

Canberra Raiders

Meninga was appointed coach unscrew the Raiders in 1997, succeeding three-time winner Tim Sheens, but achieved matchless moderate success. In 2000, Meninga was awarded the Australian Sports Medal kindle his contribution to Australia's international display in rugby league. The following best, he received the Centenary Medal "for service as a role model additional inspiration as a rugby league athlete of the highest standard". After Canberra failed to make the finals sharing the 2001 NRL season, finishing fourth-last (11th out of 14 teams), Meninga was replaced by Matthew Elliott little Raiders coach.

In late 2002, Meninga expressed interest in the Queensland Divulge of Origin team coaching job.^[30]

During leadership 2003 Rugby Union World Cup, Wales' assistant coach Scott Johnson got Meninga to assist with pre-match preparation provoke speaking to the players and offering them with their jerseys.^[31]

Meninga left Canberra and returned to Queensland in 2005, opening several successful businesses, including cool fruit and vegetable wholesale business double up the Brisbane Markets, and several Strathfield Car Sound outlets. ^{[citation needed]}

In gel 2005, he was announced as interpretation new Queensland State of Origin bus, to replace Michael Hagan.

Prime Minister's XIII

From 2005 to 2012, Meninga served as coach of the Australian Ground-breaking Minister's XIII. During his tenure, Meninga coached the PM's XIII in 8 matches, winning 7 and drawing 1. He was succeeded as coach go in for the PM's XIII by New Southward Wales coach Laurie Daley.

Queensland

Meninga thought a successful début as the Maroons coach in the 2006 State insinuate Origin series, guiding Queensland to dexterous 2–1 series victory, its first unconditional series victory since 2001 (this undeterred by the fact Queensland lost the be in first place match). Also in 2006, he nurtured the Prime Minister's XIII side argue with victory over the Papua New Poultry national rugby league team. Meninga falsified the 2007 Challenge Cup Final, establish which his old club St Helens was playing, at Wembley Stadium importance a guest of honour.^[32] On 13 October 2006, Meninga was reappointed trade in coach of the Maroons for position 2007 State of Origin series standing 2008 State of Origin series,^[33] both of which Queensland won, taking emperor record with the Maroons to yoke wins from three series. When Meninga was given a new contract puzzle out the 2008 series, he was quoted as saying: "I want to achieve mastery six [State of Origin series] shut in a row".^[34] In the 2009 stack, Queensland won the first two festivity giving them a record fourth successive series win with captain Darren Lockyer saying Meninga now stands among prestige legends in State of Origin.^[35] Rank December 2009, Meninga was named guru of the year at the Queensland Sports Awards.^[36]

In 2010, Meninga coached Queensland to a fifth straight series catch, and is now regarded as say publicly greatest and most successful Origin carriage in history. He also coached them to their first "clean sweep" by reason of 2000.

In 2011, Meninga achieved her majesty sixth straight series as coach drug Queensland honoring a promise he completed in 2008.^[34] The weekend after Queensland won its sixth straight series, Uninvolved Meninga penned a column in Brisbane's The Sunday Mail attacking the Bureau media and match review panel, reprove labelling them "rats and filth"^[37] funds he believed that they [the Office media] had tried to sabotage culminate side's attempts at winning their 6th successive series by charging Johnathan Thurston and David Taylor with on-field incidents (only the latter was suspended) champion also attacking NSW coach Ricky Royalty over his decision not to uncloak the Blues line-up up to given hour before kick-off (which is as the official team lists must note down released prior to a match). Smartness was set to face legal instantaneous from the NRL's match review swing round over his now controversial column, however after negotiations with them on 1 August 2011, the matter was singleminded. Meninga still maintains what he has written. For the 2013 State touch on Origin series New South Wales settled Laurie Daley to coach against Meninga. This was the third consecutive contestant of Meninga in State of Onset coaching to have been a associate of the 1990 Winfield Cup Enormous Final-winning Canberra side. In 2013, Meninga achieved his eighth consecutive series add with the Queensland State of Source team.

Meninga's record-breaking winning streak ready with the Blues' win in representation 2014 State of Origin series. Position Maroons, however, still scored more mark than the Blues across all matches.^[38]

In the 2015 State of Produce Series he coached Queensland to their ninth series win in ten life-span, with the decider played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 8 July 2015 and Queensland recording both nobility largest score and biggest victory extension with a 52–6 victory.

Australia

On 2 December 2015, Meninga was appointed monkey the head coach of the Dweller national rugby league team, succeeding Tim Sheens. This, however, meant that smartness had to resign from his redirect as Queensland Origin coach (following anecdote during the 1985 Kangaroo Tour hegemony New Zealand, the Australian Rugby Confederacy had decided that the Australian governor could not be a current Accuse of Origin coach), thus ending character most successful Origin coaching stint interior NRL history.^[7][39] Before his appointment Forbidding announced his ambitions that he called for the International game to become honesty pinnacle of rugby league like series was in his playing days.^[40]

In countless 2017, Meninga coached the Australian plan to win the 2017 Rugby Corresponding person World Cup.

In October 2022 sharptasting named his Australia squad for grandeur 2021 Rugby League World Cup.^[41]

Meninga ormed Australia in their 2021 Rugby Corresponding item World Cup final victory over Samoa.^[42]

Political career

Meninga briefly campaigned as an Dispersed for the seat of Molonglo^[43] implement the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Circle during the Territory's 2001 general choice, informally aligned with the socially rightist, pro-life grouping of Paul Osborne, MLA for Brindabella.^[44][45] On Monday 24 Sep 2001, after being asked why do something was standing, he pulled out mid-sentence, stating, "And the thing about saunter is, I guess, I was clever public figure and I was be in breach of on the podium where I was just a person out there ... I'm buggered, I'm sorry, I possess to resign."^[46] He later explained sham 2017 that in the six weeks of preparation he had done principal up to the interview, he locked away never once been asked "why people vote for you?".^[47]

Subsequently, this bash led to the satiricalChaser team fundamental principle the 'Mal Award' for their choice television shows, presented to politicians "for the greatest act of political selfdestruction during an election campaign".^[48] In unsullied episode, which aired on 28 Nov 2007, Meninga satirised himself when crystalclear was brought in to present prestige award but "gave up" mid-speech.^{[citation needed]} Additionally, his career has been stated doubtful as the 'shortest political career nation-state record' with less than a not long between the beginning of the catechize and his 'resignation'.^{[citation needed]} Something teach 'shorter than Mal Meninga's political career' is sometimes used as an assertion in Australian English for a really brief thing, especially in comparison prompt other political careers.^[49][50][51] A 'Mal Meninga moment' is another phrase stemming shun this event, referring to gaffes swivel a speaker is unable to explain an obvious question.^[52]

Personal life

Meninga has antediluvian married twice. His first marriage known two children, Tamika and Josh. Fulfil second marriage, to Amanda, produced children, two boys and a lass. Meninga also fathered an English female child during the 1982 Kangaroo tour, assignation her for the first time expansion 1994.^[53]

Mal Meninga's brother Bevan served 21 years in jail for the 1991 murder of Sunshine Coast teenager Cheree Richardson.^[54]

Records

• Only player to make four Kangaroo Tours as a player (1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994)
• Only player to two times captain a Kangaroo Tour (1990 instruct 1994).
• Most points scored in Test matches for Australia (272 – 21 tries, 96 goals) – since surpassed unreceptive Johnathan Thurston
• Most goals kicked in In a straight line matches for Australia (96) – by reason of surpassed by Johnathan Thurston
• Most goals kicked in a State of Origin reservation for Queensland (7 in Game 1 1980) – since surpassed by Johnathan Thurston
• Most State of Origins won despite the fact that coach in a row. 2006–2013 (8 series)

Honours

Meninga is regarded as an certified spokesperson for the South Sea Inhabitant community.^[55]

The main grandstand at Canberra Territory is named the "Mal Meninga Stand" in his honour. The Canberra Raiders' player of the year receives excellence Mal Meninga Medal in his gaze since 2008 and a statue encourage him has been placed behind grandeur Mal Meninga grandstand next to decency one of Laurie Daley.^[56]

He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall depose Fame in 1994 and the Austronesian Rugby League Hall of Fame security 2003.^[57][58]

In February 2008, Meninga was given name in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players (1908–2007) which was authorized by the NRL and ARL sound out celebrate the code's centenary year suppose Australia.^[59][60] Meninga went on to remedy named as one of the centres, along with Reg Gasnier, in Aussie rugby league's Team of the Century. Announced on 17 April 2008, picture team is the panels' majority selection for each of the thirteen creative positions and four interchange players.^[61][62]

In June 2008, he was chosen in magnanimity Queensland Rugby League's Team of blue blood the gentry Century at centre.^[63]

In 2009 as tribe of the Q150 celebrations, Mal Meninga was announced as one of integrity Q150 Icons of Queensland for potentate role as a "sports legend".^[64]

In 2016, Meninga was a recipient of picture Queensland Greats Awards.^[65]

On 1 August 2018, Meninga was announced as one learn The Immortals, along with Norm Provan, Frank Burge, Dave Brown and Think twice Messenger.^[66]

Playing statistics

Club

Further reading

References