The Perth Bears have locked in their biggest signing, with Panthers star Liam Henry inking a four-year deal with the new franchise, but it\u2019s another big name they\u2019ve locked in who could play a key role in their recruitment for 2027.<\/p>\n
Iszac Fa\u2019asuamaleaui has signed a two-year deal to join the team when they enter the competition, and he could help the Bears land his older brother Tino, who is one of the hottest free agents on the market.<\/p>\n
The Maroons and Kangaroos forward signed long term with the Titans but has a player option to leave, with several rival clubs chasing his signature.<\/p>\n
The fact his brother will be at the Bears could help lure him across, with Perth likely to break the bank to secure the services of one of the world\u2019s best forwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is another proud day for the Perth Bears,\u201d coach Mal Meninga said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiam is one of the most exciting middle forward prospects in the NRL and I am ecstatic to have him as part of our inaugural roster.<\/p>\n
\u201cIszac is a versatile and athletic forward who will look to continue his development with Catalans next season before coming to Perth for 2027.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth players have their best footy in front of them and I have no doubt will make an immediate impact with the Bears\u201d.<\/p>\n
Fa\u2019asuamaleaui will spend a year with fellow Bears recruit Toby Sexton at Catalans before he returns to Australia, while 2024 premiership winner Henry looms as a key signing in the middle after establishing himself at Penrith.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited about the opportunity to be a part of history and continue my career with the Perth Bears from 2027,\u201d he said, with Henry likely to earn a starting spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not every day you get the chance to be a part of a new team in a new city and it\u2019s that opportunity that excites me the most.\u201d <\/p>\n
Bears general manager of football David Sharpe says the club is \u201cbuilding something special\u201d after a slow start to their recruitment drive as they look to be competitive from the outset.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiam and Iszac are quality humans who I know will relish the opportunity to continue their careers in Western Australia,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are building something special over here and I am delighted to have them both as part of our inaugural Top 30 squad.\u201d<\/p>\n