It was a slow start, but signings are now coming in thick and fast for the Perth Bears ahead of their NRL entry in 2027.
The newest expansion side faces the daunting task of filling a top-30 roster to compete with the big guns in their inaugural season, but the squad is beginning to take shape as players commit to the move out west.
We have you covered with all the Bears’ official signings, their best line-up so far, plus all the latest transfer speculation and rumours.
NRL SIGNINGS TRACKER: ALL THE LATEST PLAYER MOVEMENT, CONTRACT EXTENSIONS
CURRENT BEST 17
1. No player signed
2. Sean Russell (Parramatta Eels)
3. Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos)
4. No player signed
5. No player signed
6. No player signed
7. Toby Sexton (Catalans Dragons)
8. Liam Henry (Penrith Panthers)
9. No player signed.
10. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans Dragons)
11. Luke Smith (London Broncos)
12. Josh Curran (Canterbury Bulldogs)
13. No player signed
14. Emarly Bitungane (London Broncos)
15. No player signed
16. No player signed
17. No player signed
CONFIRMED SIGNINGS
The Bulldogs forward became the Bears’ first signing of 2026, signing a three-year deal that will take him away from the Bulldogs at the end of the season.
The Bears announced the signing of Eels winger Sean Russell on Christmas Eve, taking the 23-year-old away from his junior club on a four-year deal.
The first elite NRL forward to join the new franchise, premiership-winner Liam Henry signed a four-year deal with the Bears from Penrith in December.
In a move that could be huge in the Bears’ pursuit of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the Perth club signed his younger brother Iszac on a two-year deal from Catalans in France.
Tanzania-born Bitugane will join the Bears from the London Broncos on a two-year deal. The prop forward made two appearances for the Cowboys in 2025.
Also joining from the London Broncos is Smith, the 23-year-old second-rower who made two NRL appearances for the Bulldogs before heading abroad for the 2026 season.
Arguably the Bears’ most important signing to date, Sexton will return to the NRL after a year with Catalans in 2026, signing a two-year deal which will likely see him in the No.7 jersey.
HARRY NEWMAN
The Bears’ first major signing was Newman from Leeds in the Super League. The centre is an English international who was awarded the Super League Young Player of the Year award in 2020.
DREAM SIGNINGS
The signing of brother Iszac will make the Bears believe this move is possible, and what a move it would be. Mal Meninga has already contracted Fa’asuamaleaui’s management to outline his interest in making the Titans star the marquee signing of the new franchise.
With Lachlan Galvin and Mitchell Woods tipped to be the future of the Bulldogs’ halves, Burton has been rumoured to be linked with the Bears. His versatility to play in the halves or centres would be invaluable in their opening season.
Let him sign a contract at your own peril, but there’s no questioning the talent Zac Lomax brings to a team, not to mention goalkicking ability. His future remains unclear after his exit from Parramatta.
The breakout star of 2025, Shibasaki is off-contract at the end of the season, and with salary-cap pressures high at Red Hill, he could head for the exit to pursue a deserved contract upgrade.
Another Bronco who could be on the outer, Arthars isn’t guaranteed a starting wing spot in 2026 so could be on the hunt for a new home when he comes off-contract after this season.
A tremendous utility player for Melbourne, Wishart has already toured Perth facilities as he weighs up a move west. Off-contract at the end of the season, a Sexton-Wishart halves combo could easily compete with the big guns of the NRL.
MISSED TARGETS
Ended speculation of a move to Perth by declaring his desire to remain in Melbourne beyond his current deal.
The star English centre inked a one-year extension with the Dolphins to stave off a Perth poaching threat.
The Bears threw a $6m offer the way of Jayden Campbell, but that wasn’t enough to lure the star away from the Gold Coast, committing a new $4.5m extension at the club.
Another dead-end from the Titans, with Fermor rejecting interest from Perth to ink a new deal with the Titans.
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Originally published as Perth Bears tracker: Every player signing so far, top targets, best 17 for 2027 NRL season