The Penrith Panthers have suffered a significant blow to their coaching staff with the news that assistant coach Ben Gardiner is set to depart the club to join Mal Meninga at the Perth Bears. Gardiner, who has been an integral part of the Panthers’ success in recent years, will leave a void that will not be easily filled. His tactical acumen, ability to develop young talent, and strong relationships with players have made him one of the most respected figures in the Panthers’ setup. His departure marks the end of an era for Penrith and the beginning of a new challenge for Gardiner as he embarks on a fresh chapter in his coaching career.
Gardiner’s time at the Panthers has been nothing short of transformative. Joining the club during a period of rebuilding, he played a key role in shaping the team’s identity and helping them evolve into the dominant force they are today. His work with the forwards, in particular, has been widely praised, with Penrith’s pack becoming one of the most feared in the competition. Players like Isaah Yeo, James Fisher-Harris, and Moses Leota have flourished under his guidance, developing into some of the best forwards in the game. Gardiner’s ability to extract the best out of his players has been a hallmark of his coaching style, and his influence on the team’s culture cannot be overstated.
The decision to join the Perth Bears represents a bold move for Gardiner, but one that aligns with his ambitions. The Perth Bears, under the leadership of Mal Meninga, are set to become the NRL’s 18th team, and Gardiner’s appointment signals their intent to build a competitive squad from the outset. Meninga, a legendary figure in rugby league, has been tasked with assembling a coaching staff capable of establishing the Bears as a force in the competition, and Gardiner’s recruitment is a major coup. His experience at Penrith, where he was part of a system that consistently produced results, will be invaluable as the Bears look to hit the ground running.
For the Panthers, Gardiner’s departure raises questions about how they will replace him. Assistant coaches of his caliber are not easy to find, and his loss will be felt both on and off the field. Head coach Ivan Cleary will now need to identify a suitable replacement who can step into Gardiner’s shoes and maintain the high standards he set. The Panthers have built a strong coaching structure over the years, and while they have the depth to absorb this loss, Gardiner’s unique contributions will be missed. His ability to connect with players, his sharp rugby league mind, and his unwavering work ethic have been crucial to the club’s success.
Gardiner’s move to Perth also highlights the growing appeal of expansion teams in the NRL. The league’s decision to introduce new franchises has created opportunities for coaches and players to be part of something historic, and Gardiner’s decision to join the Bears reflects the excitement surrounding the project. The Perth-based team will bring rugby league back to Western Australia in a major way, and Gardiner’s involvement adds credibility to their ambitions. His experience in building a winning culture at Penrith will be vital as the Bears look to establish themselves in a competitive landscape.
The timing of Gardiner’s departure is also worth noting. The Panthers are coming off another strong season, and while they will be confident in their ability to continue their success, losing a key staff member is never ideal. However, Penrith’s systems and structures are well-established, and the club has shown in the past that they can adapt to change. The challenge now is to ensure that Gardiner’s exit does not disrupt the momentum they have built over the years.
For Gardiner, this move represents a chance to step out of the shadow of a powerhouse club and take on a leadership role in a new environment. At Penrith, he was part of a well-oiled machine, but at the Bears, he will have the opportunity to shape a team from the ground up. This kind of challenge is rare in rugby league, and it speaks volumes about Gardiner’s reputation that he has been entrusted with such a responsibility. Working alongside Mal Meninga, another highly respected figure in the game, will also provide him with the chance to further develop his coaching philosophy.
The Panthers’ loss is undoubtedly the Bears’ gain. Gardiner’s departure will leave a hole in Penrith’s coaching ranks, but it also opens the door for someone else to step up and make their mark. The club has a history of promoting from within, and it would not be surprising to see them look internally for Gardiner’s replacement. Whoever takes on the role will have big shoes to fill, but they will also inherit a team that is well-drilled and full of talent.
As for Gardiner, his legacy at Penrith is secure. He leaves as a premiership-winning assistant coach, having played a pivotal role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. His contributions to the Panthers’ rise cannot be understated, and his influence will be felt for years to come. Now, he faces a new challenge—one that will test him in different ways but also offer the chance to create something special.
The Perth Bears are entering the NRL at a time when the competition is stronger than ever, and Gardiner’s appointment is a statement of intent. His track record of success, combined with Meninga’s leadership, suggests that the Bears are serious about making an impact from day one. For Gardiner, this is an opportunity to further cement his reputation as one of the game’s brightest coaching minds.
For Panthers fans, saying goodbye to Gardiner will be bittersweet. While his departure is a loss, it is also a testament to the quality of the club’s coaching staff that their assistants are in such high demand. The Panthers have become a breeding ground for coaching talent, and Gardiner’s move is the latest example of that. His success in Perth will be watched closely, not just by Bears supporters, but by those in Penrith who will always appreciate what he brought to the club.
In the end, rugby league is a game of constant change, and Gardiner’s move is just the latest chapter in his career. The Panthers will move forward, as they always do, and Gardiner will embark on a new adventure. Both parties have bright futures ahead, but there’s no denying that this is a significant moment for everyone involved. The Panthers may have lost a key figure, but the lessons Gardiner leaves behind will continue to shape the club for years to come. Meanwhile, the Perth Bears have gained a coach with a proven track record—one who could play a defining role in their journey as the NRL’s newest team.
