The Perth Bears have tabled Gold Coast star Jayden Campbell a mammoth five-year, $6 million deal in a bid to make him their first marquee signing.
The Bears are desperate for a big name to sign with the new franchise after several obvious targets, including Parramatta’s Josh Addo-Carr and Melbourne’s Cameron Munster, recommitted to their current clubs. Another potential recruit – Storm, Maroons and Kangaroos hooker Harry Grant – is poised to extend his stay at Melbourne.
Jayden Campbell is a man in demand.Credit: Getty Images
Campbell has been identified as a big-name signing and the Bears are confident he can become their first recruit of note. Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly have told this masthead the Bears have tabled an offer to Campbell that would make him one of the highest-paid players in the game.
The Titans remain hopeful of retaining Campbell, but won’t be able to offer him the amount of money he could earn in Western Australia. The son of legendary playmaker Preston Campbell can play at halfback, five-eighth and fullback, and the Bears are open-minded about what jersey he has on his back. That will ultimately be decided by how he could best complement the other players the club signs.
Those close to Campbell feel the deal is too good to refuse and that next year will likely be his last on the glitter strip. Given he is just 25 years old and has already played 78 NRL games in key positions, Perth powerbrokers feel his best football is ahead of him.
It has been more than a fortnight since the Bears have been able to negotiate with players, but they have yet to secure a single recruit. That is not particularly surprising, given many of the game’s top players have been on Test duty or annual leave, and that most would avail themselves of the 10-day cooling off period should they sign up to be part of coach Mal Meninga’s roster.
Harry Grant, another potential Bears target, is poised to recommit to the Storm.Credit: NRL Photos
However, the club is keen for some positive signing news to announce, as it may help sway other prospective targets to commit.
The Bears feel that could come in the form of Campbell, who is open to the prospect of a fresh start after the Titans finished in 16th place in 2025.