The Perth Bears’ inaugural roster is beginning to take shape, with Mal Meninga’s club announcing the signings of another two players on Monday. Just 24 hours after inking deals with Melbourne Storm stars Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney, the Bears have announced that James McDonnell (from Leeds Rhinos) and Chris Vea’ila (from the Cronulla Sharks) will also be joining in 2027.
The 22-year-old Vea’ila is a talented outside back who’s played two NRL games for Cronulla. He scored a try in his first-grade debut in 2025 but has been starved for playing time at the top level behind the likes of Jesse Ramien, KL Iro, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Sione Katoa and Sam Stonestreet. As it stands he would be one of the starting centres for the Bears alongside English recruit Harry Newman.
Mal Meninga (L) has signed Chris Vea’ila (R) to the Perth Bears. Image: AAP
McDonnell joins Newman in signing with Perth from the Leeds Rhinos, and is a second-rower with 110 games of experience in the Super League. The 26-year-old has 23 career tries across stints with Wigan, York City, Leigh Centurions and Leeds. He played one Test for Ireland at the World Cup in 2022.
“It’s been an ambition of mine to play in the NRL and I’m absolutely delighted to be given that chance with the Perth Bears,” McDonnell said in a statement on Monday. “The NRL is the toughest competition in the world, and I can’t wait to get over to Western Australia and test myself against the best of the best.
“It’s great to know that Harry Newman and a few other lads from the Super League will be joining me. My focus is on giving 100 per cent for the Rhinos this year but it’s exciting to think that in a year’s time I’ll have the chance to be a part of history.”
Vea’ila expressed similar sentiments after signing a two-year deal with Perth. “The chance to be a part of history with the Bears was too good an opportunity to pass up,” he said. “Perth is a fantastic city, and I feel it gives me the best opportunity to continue my development as a player on and off the field.”
Chris Vea’ila (L) and James McDonnell (R) are the 11th and 12th signings for the Perth Bears. Image: Getty
Mal Meninga hails Perth Bears’ latest signings
Meninga said in a statement: “I’ve kept an eye on McDonnell for a few years now and I thought he really went to another level in 2025. I’m confident he will develop more this season and I’m excited to see what he can bring to the Bears.
“Chris Vea’ila had an exceptional junior career with the Knights and was given his chance with the Sharks last season. Similar to James, I think he will continue to improve this season and be a real asset for the Bears in 2027 and beyond. I feel really confident we are building the foundations for this club to be successful now and into the future.”
McDonnell and Vea’ila are the 11th and 12th signings so far for the Bears. As well as snaring Meaney and Wishart from Melbourne, they’ve also secured Newman from Leeds, Sean Russell (Parramatta), Toby Sexton (Catalans Dragons), Liam Henry (Penrith), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans), Luke Smith (London Broncos), Josh Curran (Canterbury Bulldogs) and Emarly Bitungane (London Broncos).