Bears Confirmed & Rumoured Signings

[Gobsmacked]

He’s wrong about red bear

He’s not clueless about league

Every thread he starts is a cracker

And he’s argued with me on lots of things I don’t always agree with him

You guys wanna bait him that’s fine but he’s not talking nonsense

People have different opinions all the time about everything

There's a very big misconception about where I stand with Black Bear:

I have nothing against him at all.
In fact, I've stated on many occasions how much I value his contributions and in all honesty would like to hear more from him and his insights.
I've also stated clearly that he obviously understands in far greater detail than myself about the inner workings of an NRL club, particularly the Bears.

The issue isn't with the content.
My issue is with the insinuation that I must forfeit my right to question things.
That I should forfeit my right to an opinion.

Pies& Beers has a god like devotion to every thing he says.. and that's his right.

In my experience on the earth, there's really only one reason people push so hard to build credibility and trust. It's to leverage that trust. He already has this leverage on weak minds who without any evidence still insist everything he says is always and always will be 100% accurate. Only fools believe such things.
And I'll give you an example:
How and why would Redbear have seen the contracts signed? He might have some great inside info but even he is still operating on second hand information. And I'd suggest it's further down the line than that, he's only given us a vague number.. no confirmation on who or where they're coming from.. nothing. This is friend of a friend type info.

Piss&Beer is begging for information he simply doesn't have. But I doubt neither the cult leader or his followers want to give this new found religion without a fight.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Better yet, they did the deal way back before 10th December!! lol
Sitting on it for 5 weeks.
But hey, maybe they did..

Actually, they definitely did.

I dear not challenge anything said on the internet.


Anyway, who gives a f**k.

They are really stretching the depth quota at this point.

On a positive note, I do really like seeing more pomms picked up in the NRL and I hope that Perth do go down this path. The Raiders have shown how successful it can be.
The only thing the Raiders and most attempts of scouting out of the UK fail to do is get the players up to speed in the discipline.

Anyway, well done Perth! Glad to see recruitment still ticking along. Hopefully we see a big name landed soon.

you literally gave a f**k hence you argued

From Perth Bears website, this quote from James McDonald is very interesting

“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% 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”.

James McDonnell and Chris Vea'ila Sign with Perth Bears - Perth Bears

Irish international James McDonnell and exciting outside-back prospect Chris Vea’ila are the latest recruits to join the Perth Bears for their inaugural

perthbears.com.au

Wonder how many unannounced Super League players may have already signed, bra?

maybe bear knows?

He’s wrong about red bear

He’s not clueless about league

Every thread he starts is a cracker

And he’s argued with me on lots of things I don’t always agree with him

You guys wanna bait him that’s fine but he’s not talking nonsense

People have different opinions all the time about everything

fair enoughs.
just some opinions of his like his take on luai etc seem crackpot like he doesnt see the intangibles involved with footy ie standards setting, leadership, accountability etc

 

[Gobsmacked]

bra, TLDR



exactly

Let’s see where the squad of 30 land heading into pre-season. Way too early to hit the panic button.

Don't know what TLDR is.. but ok bra. Lol

 

[Ashburn]

He might have some great inside info but even he is still operating on second hand information. And I'd suggest it's further down the line than that, he's only given us a vague number.. no confirmation on who or where they're coming from.. nothing. This is friend of a friend type info. found religion without a fight.

bra to give ya the TLDR version;

it’s potentially sensitive info that his sources wouldn’t wanted posted on a public forum.

 

[Red&BlackBear]

And I'll give you an example:
How and why would Redbear have seen the contracts signed? He might have some great inside info but even he is still operating on second hand information. And I'd suggest it's further down the line than that, he's only given us a vague number.. no confirmation on who or where they're coming from.. nothing. This is friend of a friend type info.

Big assumptions here. Pretty much all incorrect.
Carry on.

 

[Wb1234]

There's a very big misconception about where I stand with Black Bear:

I have nothing against him at all.
In fact, I've stated on many occasions how much I value his contributions and in all honesty would like to hear more from him and his insights.
I've also stated clearly that he obviously understands in far greater detail than myself about the inner workings of an NRL club, particularly the Bears.

The issue isn't with the content.
My issue is with the insinuation that I must forfeit my right to question things.
That I should forfeit my right to an opinion.

Pies& Beers has a god like devotion to every thing he says.. and that's his right.

In my experience on the earth, there's really only one reason people push so hard to build credibility and trust. It's to leverage that trust. He already has this leverage on weak minds who without any evidence still insist everything he says is always and always will be 100% accurate. Only fools believe such things.
And I'll give you an example:
How and why would Redbear have seen the contracts signed? He might have some great inside info but even he is still operating on second hand information. And I'd suggest it's further down the line than that, he's only given us a vague number.. no confirmation on who or where they're coming from.. nothing. This is friend of a friend type info.

Piss&Beer is begging for information he simply doesn't have. But I doubt neither the cult leader or his followers want to give this new found religion without a fight.

He’s a bears fan so obviously he’s going to talk up their signings

Hes in tight with your mates at the qrl and same with the north Sydney bears club

He probably knows whether they are going to get Tino or other good players but obviously isn’t saying everything he knows cause it will damage things as happened previously on here when someone passed on info to the wa govt lol

 

[Gobsmacked]

you literally gave a f**k hence you argued


maybe bear knows?


fair enoughs.
just some opinions of his like his take on luai etc seem crackpot like he doesnt see the intangibles involved with footy ie standards setting, leadership, accountability etc

Yes, Luai..

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Yes, Luai..

hows this post of yours in any way relevant to what he brings to a footy team? you post this and yet bizza luai critta tino shared photos of eachother hanging around xmas. lol he had a few drinks and gave a terrible speech at a wedding lol?

tigers looked more discipline and accountable with him there. he knows the standards required at training and on the field and what to maintain.


laughing like bear hasnt been right with every time so far with bears. the irony that ya claim bear gets second hand info without know what info he actually gets and when he says ya wrong all ya can do is post stupid shit.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

more on recent signings

Perth’s Long Game Starts To Take Shape | Rugby League Zone

The Perth Bears’ recruitment drive continues to gather momentum as the NRL’s newest expansion club edges closer to its long-awaited debut in 2027. With

rugbyleaguezone.com

Meninga continues NRL signing spree as outside back from Cronulla joins Perth Bears

The Sharks player has joined two Melbourne Storm stars in making the switch. Read more here.

au.news.yahoo.com

 

[Gobsmacked]

hows this post of yours in any way relevant to what he brings to a footy team? you post this and yet bizza luai critta tino shared photos of eachother hanging around xmas. lol he had a few drinks and gave a terrible speech at a wedding lol?

tigers looked more discipline and accountable with him there. he knows the standards required at training and on the field and what to maintain.

View attachment 108907
laughing like bear hasnt been right with every time so far with bears. the irony that ya claim bear gets second hand info without know what info he actually gets and when he says ya wrong all ya can do is post stupid shit.

This is what bullying looks like from a grandiose narcissist.
Galvin - gone.
De Silva - gone.
Bulla...?

 

[SirPies&Beers]

This is what bullying looks like from a grandiose narcissist.
Galvin - gone.
De Silva - gone.
Bulla...?

yes the tigers history if absolute rubbish management spanning 15 years has nothing to do with it. all luai lol

as i told wb youre clueless about footy. you have zero understanding on the game or how the game is run

 

[Gobsmacked]

yes the tigers history if absolute rubbish management spanning 15 years has nothing to do with it. all luai lol

as i told wb youre clueless about footy. you have zero understanding on the game or how the game is run

Ok mate.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

updated 2026 off contract list

NRL Players Off Contract 2026: Full List of Free Agents & Expiring Contracts - Zero Tackle

The following list tracks every NRL player off contract at the end of the 2026 season. These players will be able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 under the NRL’s contracting rules, making them potential targets during the next transfer window. Use this page to see which players...

www.zerotackle.com

Super League’s 9 biggest off-contract stars with transfer window open

A look at some of Super League's biggest off-contract stars with the transfer window open.

www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk

2027 off contract list

NRL Players Off Contract 2027: Full List of Free Agents & Expiring Contracts - Zero Tackle

The following list tracks every NRL player off contract at the end of the 2027 season. These players will be able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 under the NRL’s contracting rules, making them potential targets during the next transfer window. Use this page to see which players...

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Perth Red]

From Perth Bears website, this quote from James McDonald is very interesting

“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% 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”.

James McDonnell and Chris Vea'ila Sign with Perth Bears - Perth Bears

Irish international James McDonnell and exciting outside-back prospect Chris Vea’ila are the latest recruits to join the Perth Bears for their inaugural

perthbears.com.au

Wonder how many unannounced Super League players may have already signed, bra?

Could have just meant the Catalans players we’ve signed. That said plenty of young talent in SL so hopefully we see more coming over.

at this time signings have generally been ok without being outstanding. Hopefully some stronger talent yet to come, especially at #1 and #9. End of day we are realistically aiming for 12th-15th place year 1.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

more on recent signings

Perth’s Long Game Starts To Take Shape | Rugby League Zone

The Perth Bears’ recruitment drive continues to gather momentum as the NRL’s newest expansion club edges closer to its long-awaited debut in 2027. With

rugbyleaguezone.com

Meninga continues NRL signing spree as outside back from Cronulla joins Perth Bears

The Sharks player has joined two Melbourne Storm stars in making the switch. Read more here.

au.news.yahoo.com

more

Leeds Rhinos’ James McDonnell signs two-year deal with Perth Bears – Total Rugby League

www.totalrl.com

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos-news-james-mcdonnells-100-per-cent-vow-in-first-words-as-move-to-nrl-perth-bears-confirmed-5471239

Leeds Rhinos star confirms NRL move as Perth Bears make 11th and 12th signings - Serious About Rugby League

Perth Bears have continued to flesh out their squad for the 2027 season, confirming their 11th and 12th signings, including another Leeds Rhinos star. The Bears will enter the NRL in 2027 as the 18th club in the competition and they’re now just one player short of a starting XIII after signing...

www.seriousaboutrl.com

James McDonnell's NRL destination confirmed as star set for Leeds Rhinos reunion

James McDonnell will join fellow Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman at NRL expansion side Perth Bears from next season.

www.loverugbyleague.com

https://www.racingandsports.com.au/news/sports/rugby-league/2026-01-12/perth-bears-add-mcdonnell-and-veaila-to-growing-roster-cms-preview/707537

Good news, Bears: NRL newbies buck the usual trend of expansion team recruitment errors with clever strategies​

By Paul Suttor / Expert
14 hours ago
Don't look now but the Perth Bears’ inaugural roster is starting to take shape and they’re off to a pretty good start under the circumstances.

With no help from the NRL as far as salary cap concessions or early access to free agents, hopes were not high for the hastily arranged venture between league in WA and a hibernating club from Sydney’s north.

There’s still a long way to go before they fill out their 30-man squad for the 2027 season but after their first dozen signings, they have bucked two of the usual trends that start-up clubs employ.

They have opted against chasing superstars to sign reliable first-graders.

And they have targeted younger players entering their prime years rather than veterans looking for one last pay cheque.

Of the 12 signatures that the Bears have secured on the dotted line, they are all 26 or younger apart from Storm utility back Nick Meaney, who is hardly in the veteran class at 28 and going by his form over the past couple of years, has plenty more time left at the top level.

​

Perth’s signings so far

• Toby Sexton, 24 (Catalans via Bulldogs)
• Harry Newman, 25 (Leeds)
• Emarly Bitungane 23 (London Broncos)
• Luke Smith, 22 (London Broncos via Bulldogs)
• Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, 24 (Catalans via Titans)
• Liam Henry, 24 (Panthers)
• Sean Russell, 23 (Eels)
• Josh Curran, 26 (Bulldogs)
• Tyran Wishart, 26 (Storm)
• Nick Meaney, 28 (Storm)
• Chris Vea’ila, 22 (Sharks)
• James McDonnell, 25 (Leeds)

The Bears added to their recruitment drive on Monday with Leeds second-rower James McDonnell and young Sharks centre Chris Vea’ila accepting two-year deals.

Mal Meninga’s team is being pragmatic by cherry-picking players to fill positions of need from the Super League in McDonnell and England centre Harry Newman.

It can be easier to get players to travel halfway across the planet to Perth than from the eastern seaboard, although it makes sense when you are trading the chilly climate of England’s north for the sun-drenched WA capital.

“I feel really confident we are building the foundations for this club to be successful now and into the future,” Meninga said in announcing the latest duo’s acquisition.

​

When the NRL’s previous expansion team came into the league just three years ago, the Dolphins made the mistake of splashing plenty of cash on the negotiating table in a bid to tempt big-name recruits to Redcliffe.

With master coach Wayne Bennett turning on his oft-hidden charm to provide extra incentive, the Dolphins threw megadeals at Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Brandon Smith (back when he was a rep quality player), Ryan Matterson (as above), Kalyn Ponga, Cody Walker, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Reed Mahoney.

But ultimately they were used as little more than a bargaining chip so the players (their agents, more to the point) could extract better deals at their current clubs or elsewhere.

Meninga has mentioned the Bears would be interested in the likes of Payne Haas, Munster or any other high-profile recruit that could see themselves becoming a Bear but there hasn’t been the constant negotiations by the media which the NRL is now trying to stamp out. Sidebar: that won’t happen.

The Dolphins ended up with a lopsided first roster which contained several young prospects who have turned out to be stars of the future in Isaiya Katoa and Jack Bostock, as well as a lot of journeymen at the end of their career who did not last long.

They were able to balance their squad relatively quickly following the addition of Herbie Farnsworth, Tom Flegler and Jake Averillo in year two – experienced players who were not heading into the twilight years.

The Titans paid the price by loading up on too many older recruits when they entered the NRL in 2007.

When they got long in the tooth after back-to-back finals campaigns in years three and four of the club, Gold Coast did not have a new wave coming through and they went from preliminary finalists to wooden spooners in less than 12 months.

By building a base of solid first-up recruits, the Bears have positioned themselves well for the next time a star gets disgruntled and wants a change of scenery, which if you go by the standard NRL calendar, seems to happen at least 10 times a season.

This time last year, Manly thought Daly Cherry-Evans was going to play out his career in the maroon and white, Lachie Galvin and Tallyn Da Silva were under lock and key at Wests Tigers and the Storm and Eels were basing their backline plans around Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen respectively.

And because the Bears have signed versatile players, they can be malleable with how their first-choice line-up finally ends up.

If a star playmaker comes up for grabs, they can partner with Sexton in the halves and Wishart can switch to hooker.

A top-notch fullback jumps out of the ground, then Meaney does what he’s done at Melbourne and solves one of their centre problems.

Another feather to the bow of the Bears’ signing strategy has been identifying standard bearers who will be natural leaders for their squad.

Meaney and Wishart will add a liberal dose of the famed Storm culture to the new club while Henry’s habits that he’s picked up at Penrith will ensure expectations are high on and off the field for Perth’s foundation squad.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2026/01/13/good-news-bears-nrl-newbies-buck-the-usual-trend-of-expansion-team-recruitment-errors-with-clever-strategies/amp/

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Hard not to laugh at the word vomit you type bra.

hello Matty_CBY aka GrowTheGame aka Bullmania

how is ya?

 

[Gobsmacked]

more

Leeds Rhinos’ James McDonnell signs two-year deal with Perth Bears – Total Rugby League

www.totalrl.com

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos-news-james-mcdonnells-100-per-cent-vow-in-first-words-as-move-to-nrl-perth-bears-confirmed-5471239

Leeds Rhinos star confirms NRL move as Perth Bears make 11th and 12th signings - Serious About Rugby League

Perth Bears have continued to flesh out their squad for the 2027 season, confirming their 11th and 12th signings, including another Leeds Rhinos star. The Bears will enter the NRL in 2027 as the 18th club in the competition and they’re now just one player short of a starting XIII after signing...

www.seriousaboutrl.com

James McDonnell's NRL destination confirmed as star set for Leeds Rhinos reunion

James McDonnell will join fellow Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman at NRL expansion side Perth Bears from next season.

www.loverugbyleague.com

https://www.racingandsports.com.au/news/sports/rugby-league/2026-01-12/perth-bears-add-mcdonnell-and-veaila-to-growing-roster-cms-preview/707537

Good news, Bears: NRL newbies buck the usual trend of expansion team recruitment errors with clever strategies​

By Paul Suttor / Expert
14 hours ago
Don't look now but the Perth Bears’ inaugural roster is starting to take shape and they’re off to a pretty good start under the circumstances.

With no help from the NRL as far as salary cap concessions or early access to free agents, hopes were not high for the hastily arranged venture between league in WA and a hibernating club from Sydney’s north.

There’s still a long way to go before they fill out their 30-man squad for the 2027 season but after their first dozen signings, they have bucked two of the usual trends that start-up clubs employ.

They have opted against chasing superstars to sign reliable first-graders.

And they have targeted younger players entering their prime years rather than veterans looking for one last pay cheque.

Of the 12 signatures that the Bears have secured on the dotted line, they are all 26 or younger apart from Storm utility back Nick Meaney, who is hardly in the veteran class at 28 and going by his form over the past couple of years, has plenty more time left at the top level.

​

Perth’s signings so far

• Toby Sexton, 24 (Catalans via Bulldogs)
• Harry Newman, 25 (Leeds)
• Emarly Bitungane 23 (London Broncos)
• Luke Smith, 22 (London Broncos via Bulldogs)
• Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, 24 (Catalans via Titans)
• Liam Henry, 24 (Panthers)
• Sean Russell, 23 (Eels)
• Josh Curran, 26 (Bulldogs)
• Tyran Wishart, 26 (Storm)
• Nick Meaney, 28 (Storm)
• Chris Vea’ila, 22 (Sharks)
• James McDonnell, 25 (Leeds)

The Bears added to their recruitment drive on Monday with Leeds second-rower James McDonnell and young Sharks centre Chris Vea’ila accepting two-year deals.

Mal Meninga’s team is being pragmatic by cherry-picking players to fill positions of need from the Super League in McDonnell and England centre Harry Newman.

It can be easier to get players to travel halfway across the planet to Perth than from the eastern seaboard, although it makes sense when you are trading the chilly climate of England’s north for the sun-drenched WA capital.

“I feel really confident we are building the foundations for this club to be successful now and into the future,” Meninga said in announcing the latest duo’s acquisition.

​

When the NRL’s previous expansion team came into the league just three years ago, the Dolphins made the mistake of splashing plenty of cash on the negotiating table in a bid to tempt big-name recruits to Redcliffe.

With master coach Wayne Bennett turning on his oft-hidden charm to provide extra incentive, the Dolphins threw megadeals at Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Brandon Smith (back when he was a rep quality player), Ryan Matterson (as above), Kalyn Ponga, Cody Walker, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Reed Mahoney.

But ultimately they were used as little more than a bargaining chip so the players (their agents, more to the point) could extract better deals at their current clubs or elsewhere.

Meninga has mentioned the Bears would be interested in the likes of Payne Haas, Munster or any other high-profile recruit that could see themselves becoming a Bear but there hasn’t been the constant negotiations by the media which the NRL is now trying to stamp out. Sidebar: that won’t happen.

The Dolphins ended up with a lopsided first roster which contained several young prospects who have turned out to be stars of the future in Isaiya Katoa and Jack Bostock, as well as a lot of journeymen at the end of their career who did not last long.

They were able to balance their squad relatively quickly following the addition of Herbie Farnsworth, Tom Flegler and Jake Averillo in year two – experienced players who were not heading into the twilight years.

The Titans paid the price by loading up on too many older recruits when they entered the NRL in 2007.

When they got long in the tooth after back-to-back finals campaigns in years three and four of the club, Gold Coast did not have a new wave coming through and they went from preliminary finalists to wooden spooners in less than 12 months.

By building a base of solid first-up recruits, the Bears have positioned themselves well for the next time a star gets disgruntled and wants a change of scenery, which if you go by the standard NRL calendar, seems to happen at least 10 times a season.

This time last year, Manly thought Daly Cherry-Evans was going to play out his career in the maroon and white, Lachie Galvin and Tallyn Da Silva were under lock and key at Wests Tigers and the Storm and Eels were basing their backline plans around Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen respectively.

And because the Bears have signed versatile players, they can be malleable with how their first-choice line-up finally ends up.

If a star playmaker comes up for grabs, they can partner with Sexton in the halves and Wishart can switch to hooker.

A top-notch fullback jumps out of the ground, then Meaney does what he’s done at Melbourne and solves one of their centre problems.

Another feather to the bow of the Bears’ signing strategy has been identifying standard bearers who will be natural leaders for their squad.

Meaney and Wishart will add a liberal dose of the famed Storm culture to the new club while Henry’s habits that he’s picked up at Penrith will ensure expectations are high on and off the field for Perth’s foundation squad.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2026/01/13/good-news-bears-nrl-newbies-buck-the-usual-trend-of-expansion-team-recruitment-errors-with-clever-strategies/amp/

This might be the dumbest article ever written.
The Bears have balanced their roster..? They've signed 12 of 30 Players... Might need to know who the other 18 are to assess the balance lol.
Goes on a rant about what the Dolphins did wrong ..
They made the mistake of splashing cash at the negotiating table.. but the Bears haven't done that..

I feel like big Mal was standing over the top of this person while they nervously typed away.

 

[yakstorm]

This might be the dumbest article ever written.
The Bears have balanced their roster..? They've signed 12 of 30 Players... Might need to know who the other 18 are to assess the balance lol.
Goes on a rant about what the Dolphins did wrong ..
They made the mistake of splashing cash at the negotiating table.. but the Bears haven't done that..

I feel like big Mal was standing over the top of this person while they nervously typed away.

It's a Roar article, so it's going to be opinionated, but in fairness to it never mentions that the Perth Bears have a balanced roster. In-fact it only mentions or references anything being balanced once, and that's in reference to the Dolphins recruits for year two.

It also highlights in the opening paragraphs that the squad is incomplete with lines like "they’re off to a pretty good start under the circumstances" and "There’s still a long way to go before they fill out their 30-man squad for the 2027"

 

[Gobsmacked]

It's a Roar article, so it's going to be opinionated, but in fairness to it never mentions that the Perth Bears have a balanced roster. In-fact it only mentions or references anything being balanced once, and that's in reference to the Dolphins recruits for year two.

It also highlights in the opening paragraphs that the squad is incomplete with lines like "they’re off to a pretty good start under the circumstances" and "There’s still a long way to go before they fill out their 30-man squad for the 2027"

That's what I read into it.
They talk about not making the mistakes of the Dolphins who ended up with a " lopsided" roster.

It's not an opinionated article, this is pure propaganda to keep the wolves from the door.
I sincerely doubt anyone genuinely hold these opinions.

It's worse too. I hear today( a rumor) they paid 900k for Wishart..
They're in far more trouble than I thought.

 

[Wb1234]

That's what I read into it.
They talk about not making the mistakes of the Dolphins who ended up with a " lopsided" roster.

It's not an opinionated article, this is pure propaganda to keep the wolves from the door.
I sincerely doubt anyone genuinely hold these opinions.

It's worse too. I hear today( a rumor) they paid 900k for Wishart..
They're in far more trouble than I thought.

Bennett put together one of the best rosters in the nrl

And that’s after not getting smith ponga or Munster

Just like he did when the broncos were set up but only harder