Panthers prop Liam Henry has opened up on his move to the Perth Bears, following in the footsteps of club great Mark Geyer.

The 24-year-old was confirmed as one of the expansion club’s first major signings this week, joining former Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton for the 2027 season.

Henry has developed into a quality forward during his time at Penrith and featured in the 2024 premiership victory, but has struggled for starting opportunities.

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The tough Blayney product will now take his talents west and follow a similar path to Geyer, who played for the Western Reds in the latter stages of his career.

Liam Henry will follow Mark Geyer’s footsteps from Penrith to Perth Getty

“I know Mark pretty well, because obviously I’ve played a lot of footy with his son Mavrik,” Henry told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“He’s a good man, and he was obviously a great player. Him coming from Penrith and going to the Western Reds, I guess I’m doing the same thing.

“It’s an opportunity I’m really looking forward to.”

Henry has played 50 first-grade games for the Panthers since making his debut at the height of the club’s dynasty three years ago.

After coming through the lower grades at Penrith and becoming an integral member of the NRL squad, Henry admitted it was a difficult call to leave.

“I absolutely love Penrith and never saw myself leaving,” he said.

Liam Henry in action for the Panthers Getty

“It’s obviously a great opportunity for me with the Bears, but I still have another year to go here, and I’m fully focused on doing my best for Penrith.

“I’m going to soak it all up for the next 12 months, and I’d love nothing more than to win a premiership before I go, that’s for sure.

“Obviously, every pre-season you look at areas where you can improve and get better, but we’ve kept our main core of players, and it is exciting to think we can build on that.”

Henry also revealed he and his wife Sophie had never been to Perth before travelling over to meet with Bears officials and sign on the dotted line