Proven leader, young talent: The missing pieces in completing the Perth Bears’ roster puzzle
Perth are dropping new signings every couple of days as they build a brand-new NRL roster from scratch. But what’s missing, who’s available and how far do they have to go? We take a look.
Pamela Whaley
4 min read
January 15, 2026 - 6:00PM
News Sport Network
The Perth Bears have unveiled their new NRL logo.
The signings are dropping thick and fast for Perth and the roster is starting to take shape ahead of their 2027 NRL kick off.
But with 12 players on the books they’re yet to land a marquee superstar or a culture-defining leader to launch their exciting new frontier in the west.
These things take time, but strategic recruitment calls are vital when starting from scratch and can determine the trajectory of the entire future of the club.
To get a better understanding of how far they have to go with the roster, we’ve broken it down across the field to take a look at who they’ve signed, who’s available in 2027, and what’s missing.
BACKS
Locked in: Nick Meaney (Storm), Chris Vea’ila (Sharks), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Sean Russell (Eels)
On the market for 2027: Selwyn Cobbo, Greg Marzhew, Marcelo Montoya, Richard Penisini, Phillip Sami, Jed Stuart, Murray Tualagi, Daniel Tupou, Will Kennedy, Connor Tracey, Jesse Arthars, Rocco Berry, Jesse Ramien, Tommy Talau, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Trai Fuller, Tom Jenkins, Tyrell Sloan, Tom Chester
What’s missing: A stand out game-breaker and a bit of pace
Analysis: Melbourne backline Nick Meaney is the biggest name and most experienced player they’ve signed so far, which could prove to be a smart choice given his versatility on the field.
They haven’t yet nailed down a star, but there are plenty of options available coming into next year. A marquee player in the backline would generate the kind of excitement they’re after for their inaugural season, and someone like Will Kennedy, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck or Tyrell Sloan could work.
Looking further ahead, Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga is off-contract at the end of 2027 and the club has already admitted they’ll face n uphill battle to keep him. If they don’t land a big name ahead of next year, they should throw everything at him for 2028.
FORWARDS
Locked in: Liam Henry (Panthers), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans Dragons), Luke Smith (London Broncos), James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos), Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Emarly Bitungane (London Broncos)
On the market for 2027: Payne Haas, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Sione Fainu, Lindsay Smith, Josh Papali’i, Sam Hughes, Jaimin Jolliffe, Toby Rudolf, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Damien Cook, Jamie Humphreys, Cameron McInnes, Freddy Lussick, Sam Verrills, Billy Walters, Adam Elliott, Matt Eisenhuth, Kurt Mann, Ray Stone, Hame Sele, Jake Trbojevic, Dylan Walker, Billy Burns
What’s missing: A dummy half and their rotation, a power prop or two
There would be one prop at the top of the Bears
Analysis: One of the Bears biggest targets is Titans powerhouse Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who would be the perfect addition to the side and make it so much easier to attract support players around the pack to fill out the rest of the roster. He’s yet to make a call on whether he’ll stay at the Titans after 2026, but in the meantime the Bears have the next best thing in his little brother Iszac.
Payne Haas is also an option but he’s agreed to a one-year extension with the Broncos until the end of 2027. Panthers premiership winner Liam Henry is so far their biggest win and will almost certainly be one of the starting props, while English duo Luke Smith and James McDonnell can slot into the second row.
Aside from Tino, they still need some solid options for the pack as well as in the No.9 position, which they have yet to finalise.
HALVES
Locked in: Tyran Wishart (Storm), Toby Sexton (Catalans Dragons)
On the market for 2027: Daly Cherry-Evans, Adam Reynolds, Tom Duffy, Tanah Boyd, Jake Clifford, Chanel Harris-Tavita
What’s missing: A dominant leader and certified matchwinner
Analysis: Both Tyran Wishart and Toby Sexton have plenty of experience – especially Wishart who has studied at the Craig Bellamy school for winners over the past four seasons. But neither would be considered among the premier halves in the game, and neither were the preferred starting option over some of the game’s biggest stars at Melbourne and Canterbury.
They’re a solid pairing with plenty of talent, but if a genuine marquee star became available the Bears would be crazy not to pounce. Daly Cherry-Evans hasn’t yet said he’ll retire after this season even though he’s expected to, and neither has Adam Reynolds. Regardless of whether they are slowing down or not, either would add so much experience and direction to a new team needing to bond and learn their roles quickly.
LEADERS
Like Jesse Bromwich in the Dolphins’ inaugural season, Luke Bailey and Scott Prince at the Gold Coast in 2007 and Glenn Lazarus at Melbourne in 1998, every new club needs that experienced older head with leadership ability to kick off a brand new culture.
It’s such an important signing because it can come to dictate the values and direction of the club for the next few seasons, and act as a recruitment superpower during such a delicate time in the roster formation.
The Bears don’t have their main man just yet, and no one they’ve signed so far screams captaincy material.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui would be the perfect fit if they’re able to lure him away from the Gold Coast.
RISING GUNS
One of the other major parts of building a roster from scratch is landing the next big things.
They can be value for money in the short term, but the right kind of talent can be gold if developed properly.
Take the Dolphins for example.
They signed Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from North Queensland at the perfect time back in 2023, just as his star was on the rise but his potential hadn’t yet been reached.
Identifying the next big thing is the most important part of the process.
Identifying the next big thing is the most important part of the process.
He’d been playing State of Origin for Queensland since 2021, but hadn’t yet made the next step into a representative superstar on international stage.
He’s now developed into one of the most exciting players in the game and the Dolphins are reaping the rewards heading into their fourth season with him.
Isaiah Katoa is another example, a talented but untested young half stuck behind Nathan Cleary at the all-conquering Penrith. He made his debut at the Dolphins in their inaugural season but last year became one of the form players in the game. At the age of 21 he hasn’t yet reached his peak but could be the next great NRL halfback.
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