James McDonnell will join fellow Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman at NRL expansion side Perth Bears from next season, with the forward announced in a double signing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Ireland international, who has also spent time in the wider England training squad, becomes the latest Super League man to head to Western Australia for the Bears\u2019 inaugural NRL season in 2027, following the likes of Toby Sexton and Iszac Fa\u2019asuamaleaui to the club.<\/p>\n
McDonnell arrived at Leeds in 2023 and has since played 80 times for the Headingley outfit at the time of writing. His form has quickly seen him become one of the best back-rowers in Super League, too, with him being named in the 2025 Dream Team as a result.<\/p>\n
\u2018I can\u2019t wait to get over to Western Australia and test myself against the best of the best\u2019<\/p>\n
He will remain in West Yorkshire for the 2026 season, after penning a one-year extension with the club back in April, but will move to Perth<\/a> from 2027 on a two-year deal.<\/p>\n Commenting on the move, McDonnell said: \u201cIt\u2019s been an ambition of mine to play in the NRL and I\u2019m absolutely delighted to be given that chance with the Perth Bears,\u201d McDonnell said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe NRL is the toughest competition in the world, and I can\u2019t wait to get over to Western Australia and test myself against the best of the best.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s 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% for the Rhinos<\/a> this year but it\u2019s exciting to think that in a year\u2019s time I\u2019ll have the chance to be a part of history.\u201d<\/p>\n Perth Bears head coach, Mal Meninga, added: \u201cI\u2019ve kept an eye on McDonnell for a few years now and I thought he really went to another level in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m confident he will develop more this season and I\u2019m excited to see what he can bring to the Bears.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more Love Rugby League? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> and ensure you never miss our exclusives and breaking news!<\/p>\n Alongside McDonnell, the Bears have also confirmed the signing of Cronulla Sharks man Chris Vea\u2019ila on a two-year deal.<\/p>\n The 22-year-old outside back, who scored on his senior NRL debut for the Sharks, has spent the bulk of his career in the NSW Cup competition, making 53 appearances and scoring 18 tries across stints with Newcastle Knights reserves and Newtown Jets.<\/p>\n \u201cThe chance to be a part of history with the Bears was too good an opportunity to pass up,\u201d Vea\u2019ila said on joining the club.<\/p>\n \u201cPerth 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChris Vea\u2019ila had an exceptional junior career with the Knights and was given his chance with the Sharks last season,\u201d Meninga added of Vea\u2019ila<\/p>\n \u201cSimilar to James, I think he will continue to improve this season and be a real asset for the Bears in 2027 and beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel really confident we are building the foundations for this club to be successful now and into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n MONDAY\u2019S READS ON LRL<\/p>\n Ranking all 23 of Willie Peters\u2019 Hull KR signings with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves THIRD<\/a><\/p>\n Every Super League club\u2019s captain for 2026 as Leeds and St Helens opt for change<\/a><\/p>\n