The Perth Bears have secured their seventh signing ahead of their inaugural season in the NRL having confirmed Parramatta Eels flyer Sean Russell will join the club in 2027. Mal Meninga’s side are starting to build momentum after an initial lag in signings with young junior star Russell to join the side on a four-year deal.
Russell played 20 games for the Eels in 2025 and scored five tries playing in the outside backs. The 23-year-old brings plenty of energy to Meninga’s side with the Bears now on a roll less than a year out from their first pre-season together.
The Perth Bears have secured the signing of Parramatta Eels centre Sean Russell for the 2027 season. (Getty Images)
“It’s another fantastic day for the Perth Bears with Sean committing to our club on a long-term deal,” Meninga said in a club statement. “Sean is an outstanding talent who possesses the characteristics I am looking for as we continue to build our inaugural roster.
“He is a proven try-scorer and a fantastic defender. I have no doubt he will be a very important piece in our roster for many years to come”.
Russell admitted while he is excited to join the new NRL club, he still has a contract with the Eels for the 2026 season. “There’s already a lot of excitement and anticipation about the Bears entering the NRL I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of it,” Russell said.
“My focus right now remains on the Eels and giving all that I have for 2026. They have supported me throughout my career and I am forever grateful.”
Russell is tipped to take Zac Lomax’s place on the wing for Parramatta in 2026. Lomax left his contract early with suggestions he will go play rugby union in 2026. Russell could move from centre to wing next year, but the club will now be looking for a new replacement in 2027 considering both outside backs will have departed the club.
Sean Russell (pictured right) will play for the Perth Bears in 2027.
Perth Bears chasing stars ahead of 2026 season
The Bears have now added a number of NRL talent to their roster after the big-signing of Liam Henry from the Panthers. They’ve already confirmed deals with Toby Sexton, Henry, Harry Newman, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Luke Smith and Emarly Bitungane.
And the Daily Telegraph reported Josh Curran could be the next cab off the rank. The publication claimed Curran could be amongst the Bears’ next wave of signings. Curran has played 106 NRL games across stints with the Roosters, Warriors and Bulldogs. He was arguably the Bulldogs’ best forward in 2024, but seemed to be starved of minutes in 2025 with Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston being 80-minute edge back-rowers.
The Bears could be interested in Curran considering he can play front-row or back-row. He can also play lock. If he joins the Bears for 2027 he’d be their first signing with over 100 games of NRL experience.
Perth Bears head coach Mal Meninga (pictured) has managed to confirm the club’s seventh signing.