The Perth Bears’ recruitment drive has taken another significant step forward, with the club confirming the signing of Josh Curran on a three-year deal ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027.
Curran, 26, arrives in Perth as one of the most recognisable names secured by the expansion franchise to date. A fan favourite during his time at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and previously with the New Zealand Warriors, the hard-nosed forward brings experience, aggression and versatility to a Bears pack already beginning to take shape.
Since making his NRL debut for the Sydney Roosters in 2019 against the Canberra Raiders, Curran has gone on to accumulate 106 first-grade appearances, carving out a reputation as a high-effort, uncompromising competitor who thrives in the middle of the park and on an edge.
For the Bears, Curran’s arrival represents more than just depth. He adds a hardened NRL body to a forward unit that already includes Liam Henry, Izack Fa’asuamaleaui, Luke Smith and Emarly Bitungane, providing a blend of premiership pedigree, youth and raw power as Mal Meninga continues to shape his foundational roster.
Curran now joins a growing list of high-profile signings that includes Sean Russell, Toby Sexton and Harry Newman, reinforcing the Bears’ intent to be competitive from Round 1 rather than simply building for the future.
With his relentless work ethic and popularity among fans, Curran looms as the type of player capable of helping the Bears establish an identity early — one built on physicality, effort and edge. As Perth’s squad steadily fills out, the message is becoming clearer: the Bears are not easing their way into the NRL.
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