Bears Confirmed & Rumoured Signings

[RL The greatest game]

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos-news-huge-blow-as-3rd-star-player-to-leave-for-nrl-at-end-of-2026-6013521

Bears sign another English international for inaugural season

Their 16th signing has been confirmed.

www.zerotackle.com

Leeds Rhinos lose latest star as Mikolaj Oledzki makes NRL move

Leeds Rhinos have lost a third player to the NRL ahead of the 2027 season, with Mikolaj Oledzki signing a contract for next year.

www.loverugbyleague.com

Leeds Rhinos confirm 'disappointing' departure as NRL clause activated

Leeds Rhinos are losing another star player to the NRL at the end of 2026.

www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk

His and other English signings will attract the attention of the Brit community in Perth.

 

[Wb1234]

His and other English signings will attract the attension of the Brit community in Perth.

Yeh fair call even if they are average

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Garner

Another Panthers premiership winner on Bears' hit list​

Luke Garner is the latest member of the Panthers' premiership-winning dynasty who could be lost to the club.

The 30-year-old back-rower - who played in the last two of Penrith's four straight grand final wins - is off contract at the end of the season and attracting offers from rival clubs.

The Panthers want to keep Garner, a fine ball-running edge forward and reliable defender, but have salary cap pressure.

They also have several promising young forwards coming through who they want to extend and upgrade.

The Perth Bears are believed to be keen on Garner, whose big-game experience would be invaluable in the club's maiden season in 2027.

Garner has been an NRL regular since 2018, playing the first five seasons of his career at the Tigers.

He switched to Penrith in 2023, achieving the rare feat of going from wooden spooner to premiership winner in the space of 12 months.

NRL news, The Mole scoops 2026: PNG coaching job narrowed down to Jason Demetriou, Brad Arthur, Willie Peters

Panthers forward likely to change clubs at end of 2026

He is off-contract at the end of the year.

www.zerotackle.com

Penrith Panthers forward Luke Garner is unlikely to extend his time at the foot of the mountains, with the Perth Bears believed to be among the clubs circling.

Garner's contract situation has played out in the public eye over the last 12 or so months.

At one point, it seemed he wasn't going to get to the end of his contract with the Panthers, which expires at the end of the 2026 campaign.

He was given permission to negotiate his future away from the Panthers before November 1, with the potential of leaving at the end of 2025, although that didn't come to be.

In August last year, he admitted he wasn't sure where he would be for 2027 and beyond, although made it clear he wasn't going to jump ship before the end of his current deal.

Fast forward another nine months, and the Panthers, who are battling the salary cap as they look to keep their all-conquering squad together, simply may not have the financial firepower to compete for Garner's signature.

The second-rower, who can also play in the centres, has attracted interest from rival clubs including the Perth Bears, per a Wide World of Sports report.

PERTH BEARS SQUAD TRACKER

The Bears now have 16 players for their inaugural season after adding English international Mikolaj Oledzki on Tuesday evening, but are still looking for improvements around the squad, particularly in the second-row.

Garner would, at this stage, be a walk up starter for the Bears, who are also believed to be well into negotiations with Cameron McInnes, and could make a play for Bronson Xerri as he weighs up his future at the Canterbury Bulldogs.

It's believed the Panthers do want to retain Garner, who has been a key part of the club's success since he made the switch from the Wests Tigers ahead of 2023, but also have competing interests for their salary cap, with other forwards looking for extensions and upgrades.

Garner has played 129 NRL games, the last 54 of those coming for the Panthers, while he also represented the Prime Minister's XIII in 2022.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Perth Bears announce latest signing; Calls for Dally M system to be overhauled — NRL Daily

Perth Bears announce latest signing; Calls for Dally M system to be overhauled — NRL Daily

www.foxsports.com.au

Bears eye Penrith premiership-winner; record-breaker open to club switch — Whispers

Cashed-up club eyes Panthers title winner; record-breaker open to club switch: Whispers

www.foxsports.com.au

One of seven Penrith Panthers players who are off-contract at the end of the season, premiership-winning forward Luke Garner has found himself linked with another club.

According to Wide World of Sports, Garner has attracted the interest of the Perth Bears, who have already recruited teammates Liam Henry and Scott Sorensen to deals beginning next year.

However, the Bears are unlikely to be the only team monitoring his long-term future.

The Dragons, Eels and Sea Eagles all previously showed interest in his services in 2025, when reports emerged that he had been granted permission by the club to explore his options.

Formerly with the Wests Tigers for whom he made 75 appearances for between 2018-22, Garner has been a valuable player for the Panthers since he arrived at the foot of the mountains at the beginning of the 2023 season.

Since then, he has racked up over 50 matches for them and has been used in a variety of different positions including the back-row and centres.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Perth Bears announce signing of powerful English international forward​

Mark Barnes
23 minutes ago

The Perth Bears have continued to build momentum ahead of their NRL entry, confirming English international Mikolaj Oledzki as the club’s latest signing.

The powerful prop becomes the 16th player to commit to the expansion side, signing a three-year deal that will see him join the club from 2027 following his time with the Leeds Rhinos.

“Mik is a dynamic player who has established himself as one of the consistent prop forwards in the Super League competition,” coach Mal Meninga said.

“I’ve admired his game for a long time, and I am thrilled to welcome Mik and his young family to Western Australia in 2027.” Meninga continued.

The 27-year-old arrives with strong credentials, having represented England on nine occasions, including during the 2025 Ashes Series against Australia.

Oledzki is widely regarded as one of the premier middle forwards in the Super League, and at 27 years old, is in his prime with his best football ahead of him.

“It’s been an ambition of mine to test myself in the NRL and I am delighted to have the opportunity to do it with Mal Meninga and the Perth Bears,” Oledzki said on his NRL opportunity.

At over 6'3" tall and 112kg, Oledzki has the size and frame to make an immediate impact at NRL level and is a coup for Meninga and the Bears.

His signing adds to a growing English contingent at the club, with Leeds Rhinos teammates Harry Newman and James McDonnell also committing to the Bears’ inaugural squad.

The Bears have been aggressive in the market as they shape their roster, targeting a mix of international experience and emerging talent to lay a strong foundation for their entry into the competition.

With key pieces now falling into place across both the forwards and backs, the club is beginning to take shape as a competitive outfit, with further signings expected as they continue to build toward 2027.

https://www.sporting news. com/au/rugby-league/news/perth-bears-announce-signing-powerful-english-international-forward/a95e937c15bbd8df46e63346

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Updated with the recent reports and links.

Current Bears Squad + (reported players (in bold) in media + remaining spots (in italic) *wishful from off contract 2026 list).

Signed

Perth Bears Team | Players & Coaching Staff

Meet the Perth Bears team - players, coaches and support staff working together to bring competitive rugby league to Western Australia. More announcements coming soon.

perthbears.com.au

Perth Bears 2027 best 19: Full signings and squad tracker, rumours, news, updated team list after every signing

The Bears are slowly building an NRL squad ahead of 2027.

www.zerotackle.com

Off Contract 2026

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

1. FB - Trai Fuller/Jaxon Purdue
2. WG - Sean Russell (confirmed signing)
3. CTR - Nick Meaney (confirmed signing)
4. CTR - Harry Newman (confirmed signing)
5. WG - Luke Laulilii (confirmed signing)
6. FE - Matt Burton
7. HB - Toby Sexton (confirmed signing)
8. PR - Liam Henry (confirmed signing)
9. HK - Tyran Wishart (confirmed signing)
10. PR - Mikolaj Oledzki (confirmed signing)
11. SR - Luke Garner
12. SR - James McDonnell (confirmed signing)
13. LR - Cameron McInnes

14. UTY - Jack Cole
15. FWD - Siosifa Talakai (confirmed signing)
16. FWD - Scott Sorensen (confirmed signing)
17. FWD - Josh Curran (confirmed signing)

18. UTY - Josh Rogers
19. FWD - Luke Smith (confirmed signing)
20. FWD - Emarly Bitungane (confirmed signing)
21. FWD - Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui (confirmed signing)
22. FWD - Mavrik Geyer
23. FWD - Brodie Jones
24. FWD - Ata Mariota *
25. FWD - Braden Hamen-Uele *
26. BK - Chris Vae'ila (confirmed signing)
27. BK - Sam Stonestreet *
28. BK - Tom Chester *
29. HB - Brodie Croft
30. HK - Corey Paix *

1. DEV - Hendrix Tapiki (confirmed signing)
2. DEV - Levi Langman (confirmed signing)
3. DEV - Jordan Barlow (confirmed signing)
4. DEV - Tyrell Lacey (confirmed signing)
5. DEV - Jordan Tuuga-Stevensen (confirmed signing)
6. DEV - Ryder Koia (confirmed signing)

Garner as potential 2R & bolded as reported in media.
Purdue as potential FB & bolded as reported in media.
McInnes no longer wishful thinking & bolded as reported in media.
Sorensen to bench as impact FWD to accommodate Garner
Oledzki as confirmed and unbolded.

 

[Wb1234]

Updated with the recent reports and links.


Garner as potential 2R & bolded as reported in media.
Purdue as potential FB & bolded as reported in media.
McInnes no longer wishful thinking & bolded as reported in media.
Sorensen to bench as impact FWD to accommodate Garner
Oledzki as confirmed and unbolded.

CONTRACT FOR PANTHER
Penrith back-rower Luke Garner is set to ink a contract extension to remain at the Panthers beyond this year. It is understood the 30-year-old attracted interest from the likes of Gold Coast before indicating he would remain at Penrith.
The deal is expected to be for the next two years.
Garner found himself starting the first two games of the season with veteran Scott Sorensen – who is Perth bound – relegated to the interchange bench. Garner has returned to the bench to make-way for Liam Martin’s return.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Is the latest Pommy prop likely to be a benchie?

Also … what’s the thoughts on the dollars left to spend ?

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Humphreys'?
It's understood that the Perth Bears, who have signed Tyran Wishart and Toby Sexton as their likely first-choice halves but still don't have a hooker for their inaugural campaign, would be among the clubs interested in Humphreys.

Payne in the Haas for Rabbitohs as key spine star faces salary cap squeeze

The arrival of Haas may force a player out of the club.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[girvie]

I haven't seen this rumour before (might have missed it), but Perth Bears are interested in Aston Warwick from the Sydney Roosters NSW Cup team, according to the Bears Facts podcast.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

 

[SirPies&Beers]

View attachment 110870

 

[Black Panther]

I haven't seen this rumour before (might have missed it), but Perth Bears are interested in Aston Warwick from the Sydney Roosters NSW Cup team, according to the Bears Facts podcast.

I believe he is Matt Burtons brother in law.

 

[BuffaloRules]

I’m even more sceptical on Kit than his brother ….he is small for a middle player and unlike Luke has not done anything yet at NRL level and has been around a few years now

I get it .. he is a break glass in case of emergency depth/bottom 5 on the roster type you see at any team… but he had better come at the League minimum price tag

 

[Colk]

I’m even more sceptical on Kit than his brother ….he is small for a middle player and unlike Luke has not done anything yet at NRL level and has been around a few years now

I get it .. he is a break glass in case of emergency depth/bottom 5 on the roster type you see at any team… but he had better come at the League minimum price tag

Well if the game is going to continue to double down on the 6 again stuff, then his lack of size might be an advantage.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Well if the game is going to continue to double down on the 6 again stuff, then his lack of size might be an advantage.

perhaps … I suspect the latest crackdown won’t be around for too long

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Mav Geyer looks secured. Good depth, funny guy.


The Perth Bears' roster continues to take shape, with the NRL's newest franchise set to add further depth to their forward pack.

The Wests Tigers are expected to part ways with forward Mavrik Geyer following his one-year stint with the club, with sources indicating he has agreed to join the Perth Bears from 2027.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Tigers' system in over the offseason, is understood to have secured an opportunity with the NRL's incoming Perth franchise as they continue to build their inaugural roster.

The Geyer surname is not unfamiliar to the fans of Perth rugby league, with his father, Mark Geyer, playing 32 games for the Western Reds from 1995 to 1997.

The switch comes after Mikolaj Oledzki, another forward reported by ESPN to be joining the Bears in 2027, was officially announced by the club earlier this week.

While details of Geyer's deal with Perth have not been publicly confirmed, his exit adds to a growing list of players linked with the expansion club as it begins to take shape.

Sources: Tigers forward Mavrik Geyer set to join Perth Bears

The Wests Tigers are expected to part ways with forward Mavrik Geyer following his one-year stint with the club, with sources indicating he has agreed to join the Perth Bears from 2027.

www.espn.com.au

 

[BuffaloRules]

I like the Father Son connection with Geyer …

Likely always on the cards with only signing a one year deal with the Tigers … hope he can get some game time with them still this season

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Humphreys.

Rival coach’s blunt response to Xerri link; Bunnies stall talks with halfback — Transfer Whispers

Rival coach’s blunt response to Xerri link; Bunnies stall talks with halfback — Transfer Whispers

www.foxsports.com.au

BUNNIES STALL TALKS WITH PLAYMAKER

The arrival of Payne Haas could come at a hefty price, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs deciding to halt contract talks with a key member of their spine.

Playing 18 matches with the club last season after arriving from the Manly Sea Eagles, Jamie Humphreys was able to cement the halfback spot ahead of Jayden Sullivan and the now departed Lewis Dodd.

Humphreys’ great form saw him and his management locked in advanced discussions with the club over a one-year extension until the end of 2027.

However, Code Sports reports that the Rabbitohs have now decided to stall those contract talks as they attempt to fit everyone under their salary cap.

It is understood that if a deal is not struck between the two parties, the Perth Bears are expected to show a keen interest in his services due to his ability to play in the halves or at hooker.

As it stands, they have recruited Toby Sexton and Tyran Wishart to play in the halves but the arrival of Humphreys could see the latter make the switch to dummy-half.

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs also have Ashton Ward and Jonah Glover on their books as potential replacements, while rookie Matthew Humphries is seen as the club’s long-term halfback.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Perth Bears set to sign Tigers forward

The raid for the Perth Bears continues.

www.zerotackle.com