The Perth Bears are rapidly building the foundations of their first-ever NRL squad, with the expansion club continuing an aggressive recruitment campaign ahead of its debut season in 2027.
After a quieter start in the player market, Perth has accelerated its efforts and secured a combination of experienced NRL campaigners, premiership winners, international players and some of the most promising young prospects from Australia and the Super League.
Although the club still has work to do before completing its 30-player roster, the current squad already features significant talent and appears designed to compete from its first season rather than undergo a long rebuilding process.
One of the biggest additions to the Bears’ squad is Brisbane Broncos premiership-winning centre Gehamat Shibasaki.
Shibasaki enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, earning Queensland State of Origin selection, winning an NRL premiership and representing Australia. Despite a challenging 2026 campaign where he was temporarily dropped from Brisbane’s side, he remains one of Perth’s most experienced outside-back recruits and is expected to play a key role in the club’s first-choice backline.
The Bears have also strengthened their forward stocks with the signing of Wests Tigers forward Mavrik Geyer, who follows in the footsteps of his father Mark Geyer, a former Western Reds player.
Geyer is expected to provide valuable depth and competition alongside established forwards already committed to Perth.
Parramatta utility player Apa Twidle has also agreed to join the new franchise after showing promise during limited NRL opportunities with the Eels.
His ability to cover multiple positions, including wing, centre, fullback, five-eighth and halfback, gives coach Mal Meninga greater flexibility when managing injuries and squad selections.
Young Talent Forms Part of Long-Term Strategy
Perth has also invested heavily in emerging talent, with North Queensland prospect Mason Barber regarded as one of the club’s most exciting future players.
Barber’s preferred position is fullback, but his ability to play across the backline provides additional options. Club officials believe he has the potential to develop into a major NRL figure.
The Bears have also signed St George Illawarra pathways playmaker Jasais Ah Kee on a long-term deal.
The young halfback is considered one of the brightest prospects in rugby league and will be developed with the goal of becoming part of Perth’s future top-30 squad.
Another historic signing came with brothers Luke and Kit Laulilii joining the club.
The pair will become the first siblings signed by the Perth Bears franchise. Luke, a highly rated Wests Tigers winger, is expected to compete for a starting position, while Kit will continue developing his forward game.
International Experience Added to Forward Pack
Perth has targeted experienced international forwards to provide leadership and physicality.
English Test prop Mikolaj Oledzki has joined on a three-year contract after making more than 150 appearances for Leeds Rhinos.
The powerful front-rower is expected to become a cornerstone of the Bears’ pack.
Irish international James McDonnell will also arrive from Leeds, bringing Super League experience and versatility to Perth’s forward rotation.
One of the club’s most important signings is Cronulla star Siosifa Talakai.
The former New South Wales representative has signed a three-year deal and brings a combination of size, aggression and versatility, with the ability to play both centre and forward positions.
Talakai joins another Penrith premiership winner, Scott Sorensen, who will bring experience and leadership from one of the NRL’s strongest systems.
Front-rower Liam Henry, another Penrith premiership player, has committed to Perth on a four-year contract and is expected to become one of the club’s starting forwards.
Strong Spine Taking Shape
The Bears have placed significant focus on building a reliable spine, with Melbourne Storm utility Tyran Wishart signing a long-term five-year deal.
Wishart has developed a reputation as one of the competition’s most dependable utilities after filling in successfully for Storm stars Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
He is expected to partner Toby Sexton in the halves during Perth’s opening season.
Sexton is considered one of the club’s most important recruits and is expected to wear the No.7 jersey after returning from a stint with Catalans in the Super League.
The Bears have also secured Storm outside back Nick Meaney on a three-year contract.
His ability to play multiple positions and his reliable goal-kicking make him a valuable addition, with the centre expected to play an important role in Perth’s attack.
Canterbury forward Josh Curran was the club’s first major signing of 2026 and is expected to compete for the starting lock position.
Parramatta winger Sean Russell has also joined on a four-year deal and will provide attacking speed and finishing ability on the edge.
English centre Harry Newman, another early signing, will bring international experience and competition for a starting backline position.
Depth Signings Strengthen Squad
The Bears have continued adding depth with several development-focused recruits.
Cronulla prospect Chris Vea’ila will join after progressing through the Sharks’ pathways system.
Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, younger brother of Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, will also move to Perth after playing overseas and in Queensland competitions.
The club has additionally recruited London Broncos players Emarly Bitungane and Luke Smith.
Bitungane previously made NRL appearances with North Queensland, while Smith has experience from his time with Canterbury.
Projected 2027 Bears Line-Up
The current projected Perth Bears starting side features Mason Barber at fullback, Sean Russell and Luke Laulilii on the wings, Gehamat Shibasaki and Nick Meaney in the centres, with Tyran Wishart and Toby Sexton forming the halves combination.
The forward pack is expected to include Liam Henry and Mikolaj Oledzki at prop, Scott Sorensen and Siosifa Talakai in the second row, with Josh Curran at lock.
Interchange options could include Harry Newman, James McDonnell, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui and Chris Vea’ila.
More Recruitment Targets Remain
Despite strong progress, Perth is still exploring additional additions before the 2027 season begins.
The club is reportedly pursuing Parramatta veteran Junior Paulo and has increased its offer in an attempt to secure the experienced forward.
Other players linked with the Bears include Canberra forward Morgan Smithies, Penrith playmaker Jack Cole, Canterbury star Matt Burton, Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu and Canterbury back-rower Jacob Preston.
Burton’s ability to play both five-eighth and centre could make him an attractive option as Perth continues strengthening its attacking options.
One setback for the club was the collapse of its agreement with South Sydney playmaker Jamie Humphreys.
Humphreys had initially agreed to a three-year deal and was expected to become part of Perth’s first-choice spine before changing his decision and returning to the market.
However, the Bears have continued moving forward despite the setback.
With a mixture of premiership experience, international talent and emerging stars, Perth’s first NRL squad is taking shape as one of the most ambitious expansion builds in recent competition history.
The club’s challenge will be competing immediately against established NRL teams, but its recruitment strategy shows a clear intention to avoid being a traditional expansion side that relies only on future development.
The Perth Bears are building a squad designed to make an immediate impact when they enter the NRL in 2027.
