Bears Confirmed & Rumoured Signings

[Wb1234]

The TAX free/ rent free thing in PNG is massive.
A like for like comparison for a guy on let's say 300k living in Sydney:
After tax 180k?
After rent 140k?
Other expenses 120k?

So if they go to PNG - 300k
Stay in Sydney - 120k...

It's going to be effectively double, not overs.. double.
Then it's like being in camp, no distractions, just footy.

Very interesting but also massive potential to the up side.

I think the biggest error Perth has made was Mal. They needed someone with current NRL experience that been hands on in all departments of talent emerging an current. Brad Arthur would have been far better or anyone who understands the Storm system and how pragmatic you need to be outside of Brisbane and Sydney.

I knew Perth would struggle for a few years but the way all this is coming together, I'd say 10. For the first 3 years, all we'll be doing is trying to identify where things went so wrong, then a slow restructuring of talent targets ect.

Mal is a dud

Where Bennett goes next is interesting as south’s extended him for a year

He’s the best coach for setting up a club from scratch and even he had issues getting players to qld let alone the most isolated city on earth

 

[SirPies&Beers]

The TAX free/ rent free thing in PNG is massive.
A like for like comparison for a guy on let's say 300k living in Sydney:
After tax 180k?
After rent 140k?
Other expenses 120k?

So if they go to PNG - 300k
Stay in Sydney - 120k...

It's going to be effectively double, not overs.. double.
Then it's like being in camp, no distractions, just footy.

Very interesting but also massive potential to the up side.

I think the biggest error Perth has made was Mal. They needed someone with current NRL experience that been hands on in all departments of talent emerging an current. Brad Arthur would have been far better or anyone who understands the Storm system and how pragmatic you need to be outside of Brisbane and Sydney.

I knew Perth would struggle for a few years but the way all this is coming together, I'd say 10. For the first 3 years, all we'll be doing is trying to identify where things went so wrong, then a slow restructuring of talent targets ect.

lol
that why they are investing $60m into pathways in wa?
that why they are bringing in queensland rugby league resourcing to help establish?
that why they brought in ben gardiner who was in panthers system?

mal was australian coach and brought in for culture its clear as daylight. ben is the tactical coach.

again you miss the mark, even with all the resources to be able to construct a real opinion based on facts ya misse the mark

 

[Gobsmacked]

lol
that why they are investing $60m into pathways in wa?
that why they are bringing in queensland rugby league resourcing to help establish?
that why they brought in ben gardiner who was in panthers system?

mal was australian coach and brought in for culture its clear as daylight. ben is the tactical coach.

again you miss the mark, even with all the resources to be able to construct a real opinion based on facts ya misse the mark

Mal ain't getting Australian talent.
Nearly the entire Australian team at that time knew the game more than him. All he needed to do was keep them off the piss and get the switched on before they run out. Same in the Queensland team.

He failed at club level 20 years ago... The beast has only gotten faster, stronger, more physical, more complicated and bigger. He has zero idea about successful NRL culture today.

It's well documented about dollar figures and appointments made for pathways - it means absolutely zero.
There's no way of knowing what will work or how.. it's taken a hundred years for clubs of today to fine tune their structure to the product you see today and that is constantly fine turned and upgraded, these systems will be different again in 2027.

In your fantasy, the most isolated city on earth with no notable RL culture employs a couple of smart guys, splashes some cash.. and presto.. successfully out- producing the biggest Rugby clubs on the planet...

It'll take 10 years to even get a clue.

 

[Iamback]

The TAX free/ rent free thing in PNG is massive.
A like for like comparison for a guy on let's say 300k living in Sydney:
After tax 180k?
After rent 140k?
Other expenses 120k?

So if they go to PNG - 300k
Stay in Sydney - 120k...

It's going to be effectively double, not overs.. double.
Then it's like being in camp, no distractions, just footy.

Very interesting but also massive potential to the up side.

I think the biggest error Perth has made was Mal. They needed someone with current NRL experience that been hands on in all departments of talent emerging an current. Brad Arthur would have been far better or anyone who understands the Storm system and how pragmatic you need to be outside of Brisbane and Sydney.

I knew Perth would struggle for a few years but the way all this is coming together, I'd say 10. For the first 3 years, all we'll be doing is trying to identify where things went so wrong, then a slow restructuring of talent targets ect.

That is it, Those who decide to take their families up. Rent out their house and they get that too.

So it is huge to set you up post NRL, Perth doesn't do that.

Mal was always going to be a figure head coach, problem is the players don't know him as a great of the game.

They would be better off getting Cameron Smith and giving Mal the job engaging with sponsors. Running junior clinics etc.

Our system works because location allows us to get guys like Yeo at a young age, they can play Ball and drive home for school and stuff with their family.

Setting up in QLD and NSW is great but there is no way of knowing how many players will graduate the program and move to Perth.

Then there is the AFL that will throw money at their school programs

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Mal ain't getting Australian talent.
Nearly the entire Australian team at that time knew the game more than him. All he needed to do was keep them off the piss and get the switched on before they run out. Same in the Queensland team.

He failed at club level 20 years ago... The beast has only gotten faster, stronger, more physical, more complicated and bigger. He has zero idea about successful NRL culture today.

It's well documented about dollar figures and appointments made for pathways - it means absolutely zero.
There's no way of knowing what will work or how.. it's taken a hundred years for clubs of today to fine tune their structure to the product you see today and that is constantly fine turned and upgraded, these systems will be different again in 2027.

In your fantasy, the most isolated city on earth with no notable RL culture employs a couple of smart guys, splashes some cash.. and presto.. successfully out- producing the biggest Rugby clubs on the planet...

It'll take 10 years to even get a clue.

what absolute rubbish from a clueless moron with no stake in the game.
clearly doesnt understand funding to systems, culture. you claim to be facts based and yet you post this gibberish, give us a break cob. you also clearly have memory issues.

where were queensland when mal took over? were they a team of stars in 2005? mals been involved in the game all the way through. he understands the player. youre making out like he went away for 20 years and had no connection to the game lol.
its evident you want this to fail, you need to stop spending so much time on things youre negative about. its loserish behaviour

 

[Ashburn]

I'm not actually being negative though.
That's what's so funny about this thread.
You're all in fairy land with rainbows and lollipops.

It's not good mate.

Might want to have a look and see what the extremely overwhelming response from the RL community on other platforms has been and ya may realise you actually are just a negger.

 

[Gobsmacked]

Ok, so it's fair to say I've been mostly negative about Perth lol.
So what would make me more bullish or Perth?
They've exceeded the amount you can spend on mediocrity. They can't really ( imo) spend any more of guys who aren't particularly special without being cheap. I'd say they've already spent around 4 or possibly even 5 million of their cap.
Of the 18 left, need to be split into 2 categories to have any success:
1.Young( potential) and cheap! Probably between 8 and 11 players on on more than 150k.
2. Proven talent that can get the better of their opposition on any given day, for which they'll need to pay massive overs and should.

So any players signed in these 2 categories, I promise to be positive lol

 

[Gobsmacked]

Might want to have a look and see what the extremely overwhelming response from the RL community on other platforms has been and ya may realise you actually are just a negger.

I've seen it on a White background now and I don't mind it. The red outline is probably a little too thick imo is all.
Probably a poor quality imagine with a black background wasn't a great first impression.
Not great but not bad.

I know I a strange fella, I have my very own opinion lol.
Check in with the group and get back to me to let me know how you/ they feel about it.

 

[Red&BlackBear]

Re: Bears - on multiple topics.
The conversation going on here is incredibly redundant. The challenges being thrown up have been considered at length, there’s action plans to best combat said challenges.

This is a business in a multi-billion dollar sports organisation after all. There’s astute people who understand the challenges and perceived limitations that are being and have been presented. Those same people are more than capable to provide experience and direction - hence why they are onboarded.

Some of the dribble coming from a couple forum members, those opinions are inconsequential - they don’t matter. Those opinions are inconsequential because they are off the mark, and are based off nothing tangible yet are thrown around so staunchly with such conviction. There’s a lack of self awareness when they get proven wrong, time and time again.

All good though, carry on. If nothing else, it makes for an amusing read while taking a shit.

 

[Gobsmacked]

Re: Bears - on multiple topics.
The conversation going on here is incredibly redundant. The challenges being thrown up have been considered at length, there’s action plans to best combat said challenges.

This is a business in a multi-billion dollar sports organisation after all. There’s astute people who understand the challenges and perceived limitations that are being and have been presented. Those same people are more than capable to provide experience and direction - hence why they are onboarded.

Some of the dribble coming from a couple forum members, those opinions are inconsequential - they don’t matter. Those opinions are inconsequential because they are off the mark, and are based off nothing tangible yet are thrown around so staunchly with such conviction. There’s a lack of self awareness when they get proven wrong, time and time again.

All good though, carry on. If nothing else, it makes for an amusing read while taking a shit.

"The challenges being thrown up have been considered at length, there’s action plans to best combat said challenges."

Well , that settles it lol.

What did you aim for with this post?
How can I assume intellectual superiority and be as condescending as possible while offering nothing tangible to the topic.

The nature that you brush aside these " challenges" with such arrogance is cause for concern in itself.

 

[Iamback]

Re: Bears - on multiple topics.
The conversation going on here is incredibly redundant. The challenges being thrown up have been considered at length, there’s action plans to best combat said challenges.

This is a business in a multi-billion dollar sports organisation after all. There’s astute people who understand the challenges and perceived limitations that are being and have been presented. Those same people are more than capable to provide experience and direction - hence why they are onboarded.

Some of the dribble coming from a couple forum members, those opinions are inconsequential - they don’t matter. Those opinions are inconsequential because they are off the mark, and are based off nothing tangible yet are thrown around so staunchly with such conviction. There’s a lack of self awareness when they get proven wrong, time and time again.

All good though, carry on. If nothing else, it makes for an amusing read while taking a shit.

To be fair, the question isn't will they be viable. I have no doubt those involved can run a business. Who has recent successful experience running a successful team?

That is the issue for me here, they have the Titans recruitment officer and Mal.
Who as has been mentioned hasn't held an NRL job and rep jobs are much easier as you have the best players

 

[SirPies&Beers]

"The challenges being thrown up have been considered at length, there’s action plans to best combat said challenges."

Well , that settles it lol.

What did you aim for with this post?
How can I assume intellectual superiority and be as condescending as possible while offering nothing tangible to the topic.

The nature that you brush aside these " challenges" with such arrogance is cause for concern in itself.

Id say it does settle it. bear said they are aware of challenges and working on them. nothing he said mentions brushes aside.

can you even read moron?

red&blackbear knows whats going on.
gobsmacked BuT mAyBe He DoEsNt.. even though he has been right on everything lol.

gobby looking like goose again.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

To be fair, the question isn't will they be viable. I have no doubt those involved can run a business. Who has recent successful experience running a successful team?

That is the issue for me here, they have the Titans recruitment officer and Mal.
Who as has been mentioned hasn't held an NRL job and rep jobs are much easier as you have the best players

they dont have the titans recruitment officer. they have a former storm and broncos recruitment officer dane campbell

 

[Iamback]

they dont have the titans recruitment officer. they have a former storm and broncos recruitment officer dane campbell

So the Titans incorrectly accused Ezra Howe of trying to poach players on his way out the door?

 

[SirPies&Beers]

So the Titans incorrectly accused Ezra Howe of trying to poach players on his way out the door?

seems like it lol.
ezra wasnt even hired by bears, campbell was and the whole thing was thrown out by nrl anyways.

titans doing titans things cob. another thing poster i know said theres nothing to it and then yes there was nothing to it.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

NRL 2026: How Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Cegile is using Perth to recruit

The CEO opens up about recruitment strategies and travel obstacles.

sportnation.nz

Bears CEO reveals key lure in securing big name players​

Sam Kosack • January 14th, 2026 5:01 pm

Moving to Perth is a key selling point for the Bears, not an obstacle, according to Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie.

From the moment the Perth Bears were announced as the NRL’s 18th team, concerns arose around the team’s ability to recruit star players to the other side of the country.

So far the club have recruited the likes of Tyran Wishart, Josh Curran, Nick Meaney, and Liam Henry, among others, with players choosing to join the Bears from all over Australia and the UK.

Perth is approximately a five-hour flight or 40 hour drive from Sydney, but De Cegile isn’t concerned about the impact this may have on the club’s ability to sign players, with Perth’s many strengths a key recruitment pitch for the club.

“We're proud of what Mal Meninga and… David Sharpe are putting together their team,” De Cegile told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Their philosophy from the outset has been that they want to create a team that can be competitive from round one, and they want to recruit the right players for the right reasons.

“That's what we're most excited about.

“They're all fantastic young men who are coming for the right reasons. They're going to move their lives to Perth, but they are going to play for the Perth Bears and give everything they can.

“I don't see obstacles, to be honest.

“I'm pretty parochial about Western Australia. I've lived in Sydney, I've lived in Perth. I grew up in Perth, and I think it's the best city in the world.

“My theory has been (that) if we bring these people to Perth, if we show them the lifestyle, the culture, the weather, the school system, the health system, how they can bring up their families in this state, we feel like it's a pretty strong selling point.

“The people that we've brought over have all seen that for what it is and the other thing we have that nobody houses is the head coach Mal Meninga.”

The Bears will have a unique problem to navigate compared to the rest of the league; the longest commute of any club and a major time difference to overcome.

Previously, the Warriors and Cowboys were the most difficult travel circumstances, coming from New Zealand and Townsville respectively.

In 2025, the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles, the AFL’s WA-based sides, had approximately 80 hours of flight time across their seasons, roughly 15 hours more than the Gold Coast Suns, who had the third-most travel.

However, despite the travel being a notable issue by his own admission, De Cegile sees the potential benefits of being a far commute away,

“(The travel) is definitely front of mind for us… we're lucky in that the AFL clubs from Perth… have been grappling with this issue for a long time,” De Cegile said.

“There are even lots and lots of university students who've done PhDs and thesis on this issue out of Perth.

“So, it's front of mind for us and it's definitely something we're talking about and something we're keen to have an innovative solution on and get the best result possible.

“I'm a glass half full, silver linings kind of guy, and, on the flip side, you’ve got to remember people have to come our way to play as well.

“It might hurt us going to Sydney, but when we're home, playing home games in front of a very parochial West Australian crowd, it might also be an opportunity for us.”

The Perth Bears will join the NRL in 2027 having today unveiled their official logo.

 

[Iamback]

seems like it lol.
ezra wasnt even hired by bears, campbell was and the whole thing was thrown out by nrl anyways.

titans doing titans things cob. another thing poster i know said theres nothing to it and then yes there was nothing to it.

Well Mal as late as September still was hoping Howe would be on board.

 

[Gobsmacked]

NRL 2026: How Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Cegile is using Perth to recruit

The CEO opens up about recruitment strategies and travel obstacles.

sportnation.nz

Bears CEO reveals key lure in securing big name players​

Sam Kosack • January 14th, 2026 5:01 pm

Moving to Perth is a key selling point for the Bears, not an obstacle, according to Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie.

From the moment the Perth Bears were announced as the NRL’s 18th team, concerns arose around the team’s ability to recruit star players to the other side of the country.

So far the club have recruited the likes of Tyran Wishart, Josh Curran, Nick Meaney, and Liam Henry, among others, with players choosing to join the Bears from all over Australia and the UK.

Perth is approximately a five-hour flight or 40 hour drive from Sydney, but De Cegile isn’t concerned about the impact this may have on the club’s ability to sign players, with Perth’s many strengths a key recruitment pitch for the club.

“We're proud of what Mal Meninga and… David Sharpe are putting together their team,” De Cegile told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Their philosophy from the outset has been that they want to create a team that can be competitive from round one, and they want to recruit the right players for the right reasons.

“That's what we're most excited about.

“They're all fantastic young men who are coming for the right reasons. They're going to move their lives to Perth, but they are going to play for the Perth Bears and give everything they can.

“I don't see obstacles, to be honest.

“I'm pretty parochial about Western Australia. I've lived in Sydney, I've lived in Perth. I grew up in Perth, and I think it's the best city in the world.

“My theory has been (that) if we bring these people to Perth, if we show them the lifestyle, the culture, the weather, the school system, the health system, how they can bring up their families in this state, we feel like it's a pretty strong selling point.

“The people that we've brought over have all seen that for what it is and the other thing we have that nobody houses is the head coach Mal Meninga.”

The Bears will have a unique problem to navigate compared to the rest of the league; the longest commute of any club and a major time difference to overcome.

Previously, the Warriors and Cowboys were the most difficult travel circumstances, coming from New Zealand and Townsville respectively.

In 2025, the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles, the AFL’s WA-based sides, had approximately 80 hours of flight time across their seasons, roughly 15 hours more than the Gold Coast Suns, who had the third-most travel.

However, despite the travel being a notable issue by his own admission, De Cegile sees the potential benefits of being a far commute away,

“(The travel) is definitely front of mind for us… we're lucky in that the AFL clubs from Perth… have been grappling with this issue for a long time,” De Cegile said.

“There are even lots and lots of university students who've done PhDs and thesis on this issue out of Perth.

“So, it's front of mind for us and it's definitely something we're talking about and something we're keen to have an innovative solution on and get the best result possible.

“I'm a glass half full, silver linings kind of guy, and, on the flip side, you’ve got to remember people have to come our way to play as well.

“It might hurt us going to Sydney, but when we're home, playing home games in front of a very parochial West Australian crowd, it might also be an opportunity for us.”

The Perth Bears will join the NRL in 2027 having today unveiled their official logo.

Perth is a great city really. Great beaches and outdoor lifestyle, laid-back. Great selling point for young family men looking to escape the big smoke of Sydney ect.
It is definitely a lure.
Why the f**k are they trying to target Gold coast players? It's the one place Perth can't top.. target Jayden Cambell ffs.
Anyway.

 

[Wb1234]

"The challenges being thrown up have been considered at length, there’s action plans to best combat said challenges."

Well , that settles it lol.

What did you aim for with this post?
How can I assume intellectual superiority and be as condescending as possible while offering nothing tangible to the topic.

The nature that you brush aside these " challenges" with such arrogance is cause for concern in itself.

 

[Iamback]

Perth is a great city really. Great beaches and outdoor lifestyle, laid-back. Great selling point for young family men looking to escape the big smoke of Sydney ect.
It is definitely a lure.
Why the f**k are they trying to target Gold coast players? It's the one place Perth can't top.. target Jayden Cambell ffs.
Anyway.

Newcastle, Wollongong, Redcliffe I would say all tick those boxes too