Mal Meninga
Australian rugby legend with coaching techniques for business success
Rugby League Hall of Fame inductee Mal Meninga is best known for his formidable power and unmatched goal-kicking. Having spent an incredibly successful 15 seasons on the field, Mal continues to brings his drive and passion as a coach and keynote speaker.
Mal made his Brisbane Rugby League debut at the age of 18 with Souths Magpies. He first played for his state in 1979, helping them win the first ever Rugby League State of Origin match against New South Wales. Two years later, he enjoyed further premiership success with the Magpies in 1981.
In 1984/85, Mal played for the Saints before joining the Canberra Raiders in 1986, leading Canberra to their first two premierships in 1989 and 1990. He was also 1990's top try-scorer and top-point scorer, and was named as Rugby League Week's Player of the Year.
Additionally, Mal captained Australia to a 74-0 victory against France in 1994, marking his final try of the game and his career as a player.
A legendary centre, Mal was counted amongst the best players of the 20th century.
Throughout his career on the field, Mal is most proud of his unprecedented 4 Kangaroo tours (including the last 2 as captain), an Australian-record 45 test match appearances, a record 38 appearances for Queensland and 5 NRL grand final wins. He has also scored the most points of any player in the green and gold jersey, and is the top point scorer for Queensland in State of Origin history.
As a coach, he held the mentor position with the Canberra Raiders before going on to coach the Queensland State of Origin team. Mal has coached Queensland to victory in every one of the four series, the only four consecutive State of Origin Series wins ever. Currently, he is leading Australian rugby as coach of the Kangaroos.
Mal has been awarded the Order of Australia and has also been named in Australia’s rugby league Team of the Century. The main grandstand at Bruce Stadium in Canberra is named the Mal Meninga stand in tribute to his outstanding achievements.
Mal was also announced to join the prestigious NRL Immortal Club in 2018.
Born in Bundaberg Queensland as a descendant of plantation workers, Mal is now an official spokesperson for the South Sea Islander Community.
With incredible ambition as a player, and widely successful coaching abilities, Mal is a highly sought-after speaker for corporate presentations. He uses his own experiences to share how drive and motivation can be applied to improving business skills in any professional environment.