Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga has hailed the signing of Bulldogs star Josh Curran after praising the workhorse forward’s tenacity and defensive ability. The NRL‘s newest franchise announced the deal for Curran on Wednesday, with the versatile Canterbury forward signing a three-year contract from the 2027 season when Perth enters the competition.
Curran has plenty of experience at NRL level after playing 106 games since making his first-grade debut in 2019. The 26-year-old has enjoyed stints at the Roosters, Warriors and Bulldogs, where he has established himself as a fan favourite due to his incredible workrate and tackling prowess.
Mal Meninga’s (L) Perth Bears have landed their most experienced recruit to date after signing Bulldogs star Josh Curran (right, centre) on a three-year deal from 2027. Pic: Getty
The Bulldogs star has also represented the Indigenous All Stars side and becomes the latest important puzzle piece for Meninga as he continues to assemble Perth’s maiden roster. The Bears have now added eight names to their inaugural NRL squad, with Curran joining Sean Russell, Toby Sexton, Emarly Bitungane, Harry Newman, Luke Smith, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui and Liam Henry in deciding to make the switch.
Curran is the most experienced of the Bears’ recruits to date and Meninga says the leadership that he brings on the field will be a valuable asset to the side. But the former Kangaroos and Queensland coach said his qualities off the field were also an important factor behind the recruitment.
Bulldogs star Josh Curran is tackled during the NRL round 15 clash against South Sydney in 2025. Pic: Getty
Mal Meninga impressed by Josh Curran’s leadership skills
“Josh brings a unique combination of skill and finesse with the ball along with tenacity in defence,” Bears coach Meninga said after confirming the signing. “He plays with intensity and a commitment to be make his teammates shine.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with Josh off the field too. He is a leader who spends countless hours investing back into the community. Josh is a fantastic signing for the Bears and I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with him in 2027.”
Josh Curran explains his decision to make switch to Perth
Curran will remain at the Bulldogs in 2026 where he’ll be aiming to help the club win its first premiership since 2004. But the 26-year-old says the opportunity to be part of history in Perth and help grow the sport in the AFL-mad state was too good a chance to turn down.
“This is an exciting opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up,” Curran said via a Bears club statement on Wednesday. “The chance to be a part of the Bears’ inaugural squad, to have my name as one of their first signings is surreal.
“I’m passionate about getting out in the community and to have the opportunity to create something from the ground up that can inspire a whole state also motives me. This is history for our game and I’m super excited to be a part of it.”
Curran’s ability to play through the middle as well as the back row will give Meninga plenty of flexibility within his Bears forward pack. And while Bulldogs fans will undoubtedly be a little sad to see him leave, fans have described it as astute piece of business from Perth.