Bears Confirmed & Rumoured Signings

[SirPies&Beers]

interesting. ezra how not involved with bears but seen catching up with big tino last week.
@Red&BlackBear didn't you say you know ezra howe personally?

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/tino-faasuamaleaui-meets-controversial-extitans-recruiter-amid-perth-bear-interest/news-story/afb27cc1e06ce4354975ab6511e7404d

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui meets controversial ex-Titans recruiter amid Perth Bear interest​

A secret meeting between Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the former Gold Coast recruitment boss - who was heavily linked to Perth Bears - has set off alarm bells at the struggling club.

November 27, 2025 - 2:42PM

Souths’ Cap Is a Mess, Burton to Perth? Should Eels Chase NAS? With Katoa Out, the Storm Need Tino

It is the secret meeting that will ring alarm bells for Titans bosses.

Well-placed spies have told Sport Confidential that Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was seen catching up with the club’s former recruitment boss Ezra Howe for coffee on the Gold Coast last week.

Fa’asuamaleaui has returned from Australia’s Ashes campaign and is free to explore the open market as a free agent due to a get-out clause in his Titans contract for the 2027 season.
Howe is a key figure for Big Tino.

He and former Titans culture boss Mal Meninga were the dynamic duo who convinced Fa’asuamaleaui to quit Melbourne at the end of 2020 and bring success to the struggling Gold Coast.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and former Titans recruitment boss Ezra Mam were spotted together on the Gold Coast.

Now Perth coach, Meninga was set to hire Howe as his recruitment boss, but that fell through when Howe was embroiled in the Titans integrity scandal, with Gold Coast bosses alleging he compiled a Bears hit list with knowledge of the club’s salary-cap position.

Howe had Fa’asuamaleaui on the list and as revealed by Code Sports two months ago, Meninga has formally expressed interest in the Queensland Origin enforcer.

It may have been a simple catch-up between two good mates but Titans chiefs will be nervous by the presence of Howe, who is a long-time associate of Meninga.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Garrick goes to Roosters.
Unsure why Roosters even need him? They have OK centers and wingers. Seems like unnecessary surplus

they must have heard the Bears were gunna sign him

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Bears Xmas Wishlist: Four players on Perth's radar revealed

The Perth Bears are still hunting for signings for their inaugural team.

www.sen.com.au

Bears Xmas Wishlist: Four players on Perth's radar revealed​

By Sam Kosack

The Perth Bears are still aiming to have ten signatures secured by Christmas with an additional four players in the sights of the expansion side.

Breakout stars Billy Burns, Sam Hughes, Tom Chester, and Jaimin Jolliffe have all been identified as targets by the Bears.

Burns enjoyed a massive backend to the 2025 season, ultimately keeping New Zealand international forward Briton Nikora out of the side for the Sharks’ finals campaign.

Hughes has been a strong performer in the Bulldogs’ forward pack, playing 25 games in his debut 2024 season, but was limited to only 10 games in 2025 after a syndesmosis injury hampered his year.

Jolliffe has made over 100 appearances for the Titans since debuting back in 2020, while Tom Chester is an exciting Cowboys’ outside back, who is returning from injury in 2026 after suffering an ACL in the 2025 pre-season.

Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko revealed the four names on SEN 1170 Afternoons as the club continues to build their inaugural roster.

“I spoke to their recruiter Dane Campbell, who said to me recently that we hope to have 10 signatures by Christmas,” Proszenko said.

“That may or may not be ambitious, but I know that, in speaking to a lot of the agents, they've been very active in that space.

“There are a lot of players that they want to speak to, and I can probably give you a couple of names that haven't been out in the public arena that I've just heard having made a few calls this morning.

“Billy Burns, who's off contract at Cronulla. He's had a terrific season, so much so that Briton Nikora, when he came back from injury, didn't immediately displace him from that Cronulla side that went all the way to a prelim final.

“Another one that I've heard is Sam Hughes at the Bulldogs… a front rower (who) had a bit of an injury interrupted season. (He’s) probably the new prototype front rower and not the big sort of bopper that we're used to.

“Another couple of other names, I've heard guys like Tom Chester at the Cowboys. Potentially, Jaimin Jolliffe, who's a prop up at the Titans, there's just a couple of other names that are in the mix.
“I'm not saying that they will be signed but if (their existing clubs) want to keep those players, and I think that certainly will be the case with Billy Burns, they definitely want to extend him, there's gonna be some competitive tension there.”

The Bears have struggled to land a marquee signing since players were able to negotiate on November 1, with Jayden Campbell and Beau Fermor amongst the stars to reject the club and re-sign with their current home.

They have rumoured deals with English star Harry Newman, as well as young duo Luke Smith and Marly Bitungane, who will link up with the club after a year with the London Broncos.

The club was also linked to Broncos' duo Gehamat Shibasaki and Jesse Arthars.

 

[Wb1234]

Scotty Stevenson: RIP 360? Wannabe rugby competition looks dead in the water

It was pitched as a solution to all of rugby’s apparent woes, but has R360 run out of steam?

www.1news.co.nz

Pappenhausen should be now made an immediate target

Even a gronk like Lomax

 

[Wb1234]

Perth Bears set to meet with Melbourne Storm star Tyran Wishart | Sport Confidential
The Perth Bears are yet to make a splash in the NRL player market, but that could all be about to change, with Melbourne Storm star Tyran Wishart set to tour their facilities next week.
Brent Read
and
Michael Carayannis
8 min read
November 27, 2025 - 6:11PM
News Sport Network

In this episode, we reveal the massive recruitment shockwaves hitting the Sydney clubs. The panic is real at Manly after Reuben Garrick officially signed with the Sydney Roosters, while Souths are fighting to stop Keon Koloamatangi from following him out the exit door.
Melbourne utility Tyran Wishart is set to tour Perth next week as he becomes the latest NRL player to weigh up a big-money bid from the Bears.
Wishart, off contract at the end of next season, has been earmarked by the Bears as a signature signing as they look to piece together their squad for their inaugural season in 2027.
Sport Confidential understands that he will make the trip across the country next week as he tours Perth and checks out the facilities.
Storm utility Tyran Wishart (left) is set to meet with the Bears in Perth next week. Picture: Getty Images
Storm utility Tyran Wishart (left) is set to meet with the Bears in Perth next week. Picture: Getty Images
Penrith premiership winner Liam Henry was meant to do the same this week but was forced to cancel his trip at the 11th hour after being stuck down by illness.
It is understood the Panthers firebrand is still likely to join the Bears, although this week’s setback may delay an announcement.
Wishart and Henry would help shift the needle for Perth as they look to make some statement signings and entice some big names to be part of their squad for their premiership entry.
Panthers forward Liam Henry was set to meet with the Bears this week but was forced to cancel his trip at the last minute. Picture: NRL Imagery
Panthers forward Liam Henry was set to meet with the Bears this week but was forced to cancel his trip at the last minute. Picture: NRL Imagery
R360 CONDUIT: EX-WALLABY HOLDS TALKS WITH LOMAX AMID UFC LINK
Californian Legion director of rugby and head coach Steve Hoiles has revealed he has held talks with representatives of Zac Lomax amid talk that the former Parramatta star could warm up for a switch of codes by entering the boxing ring.
Lomax is yet to confirm his next move after his shock departure from the Eels, with rebel rugby union competition R360 understood to be on his radar.
There has been talk of a short-term move to France or America and Hoiles confirmed he had held discussions with Lomax’s camp, as well as representatives of Ryan Papenhuyzen.
“I haven’t spoken to those players but we have spoken to agents,” Hoiles said on SEN Summer Breakfast.
“They are looking at what would be the right pathways for those guys if R360 starts in October.
Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax are in talks with USA rugby team, California Legion.
Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax are in talks with USA rugby team, California Legion.
“There are a lot of benefits for those guys. They get to learn the game and in good programs. They get to do it out of the spotlight. The French teams pay a lot for their foreigners and they expect them to deliver.
“The money in USA rugby isn’t great. Our salary cap is $1 million in total spend. Players aren’t here for money.
“It’s getting pretty tight on timings for next year but it would be good for those guys to get reintroduced for rugby if R360 happens later in the year.”
That remains the million dollar question amid talk that R360 is on the brink of collapse. Lomax has kept everyone guessing although he did make an appearance on social media this week training at the Wollongong gym of UFC gun Alexander Volkanovski.

Volkanovski’s trainer Joe Lopez said Lomax had been a regular at the gym and insisted he could enter the boxing ring as he waits to finalise his future.
“One of the reasons he wanted to leave the Dragons was because he wanted to have a fight but they didn’t want to let him,” Lopez told Sport Confidential.
“That was one of the big reasons why he went to Parramatta. They were going to let him box. I think if he wanted to fight, he’s very tough and very athletic.
“If he wanted to have a go and put it in, he would be very good. He’d be a handful for any (rugby league) player out there.
“He could have a fight and earn some good coin. People want to see footballers punch each other out.”
It's a Funny Game. Art: Boo Bailey
It's a Funny Game. Art: Boo Bailey
STORM CHASING TITANS STAR
The Gold Coast’s challenge to keep emerging star Cooper Bai has been rammed home this week after the teenager met two of the premiership heavyweights in Sydney.
The smart money suggests Bai, who has attracted interest from the Sydney Roosters and Penrith - as well as the Melbourne Storm - will sign a one-year extension with the Titans for the 2027 season.
That would align his future with the PNG Chiefs expansion franchise, which is slated to enter the premiership from 2028.
Titans rookie Cooper Bai has attracted interest from a host of NRL rivals. Picture: Getty Images
Titans rookie Cooper Bai has attracted interest from a host of NRL rivals. Picture: Getty Images
Bai would be one of the Chiefs’ priority targets given his father Marcus is on the PNG board and considered one of the country’s greatest products.
His son is heading down the same track, having starred for the Queensland under-19s and made his first grade debut for the Titans at the end of last season.
He went on to play two Tests for the PNG Kumuls at the end of the year where he was feted like a King on his return to the country.
His potential hasn’t gone unnoticed in the NRL and it is understood clubs are clamouring to sign the 19-year-old. Notably, the list is headed by three of the premiership heavyweights - the Roosters, Storm and Panthers.
It is understood the Titans were aware that Bai, who will return to pre-season training on Friday, planned to hold talks with clubs as he weighs up his options beyond next season.
TWIST IN SWIM SHADY LEGAL STOUSH
Rap superstar Eminem has been urged to take a share in the humble Australian company that now finds itself locked in a court battle with one of the biggest names in the music world.
Swim Shady - a beachwear and accessories company founded by former South Sydney executive Jeremy Scott and his partner Elizabeth Afrakoff - has become the subject of legal action from Eminem in both America and Australia over claims of trademark infringement.
The Slim Shady vs Swim Shady legal stoush continues
The Slim Shady vs Swim Shady legal stoush continues
The story has gone global as the rap giant - who goes by the alter ego Slim Shady and is believed to be worth an estimated $300 million - ramps up his legal fight by lodging documents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office alleging his brand has been infringed.
Scott and Swim Shady have lodged their response to the claims this week as the stalemate continues. Noted American lawyer and television commentator Clint Travis, speaking on Fox News in America, has suggested a solution that could work for both parties and end the legal stalemate.
“First of all I want this name so much I want them to be able to win,” Travis said.
“Ultimately the analysis would boil down to this - are people thinking that Eminem is endorsing this product, are they playing so much in the arean of his popular songs …. that in some way they are infringing on that mark.
“I am inclined to say most people can probably tell the difference here. If I were Eminem, I don’t know how successful this business is, but part of me would say why not take a small equity stake in the business if you’re Eminem and just lean into it and play up the connections directly.
“That seems like to me a solution here that would make both sides happy.”

Jimmy Fallon discusses the Swim Shady lawsuit on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
It would also save both sides plenty of expense on lawyers. Eminem’s team has already laid their cards on the table after lodging documents which suggest his fans would “likely be confused, be mistaken, or be deceived” into believing he had an affiliation with Swim Shady.
The documents also claim that Eminem - whose real name is Marshall Mathers - would be injured by causing a likelihood of dilution, through blurring and tarnishment of the distinctive quality of his marks.
He also goes on to suggest that anyone seeing one of Swim Shady’s products in the marketplace or being offered for sale would assume that the source of the goods emanates from Eminem and is connected to him.
Swim Shady, via their lawyer, have lodged documents denying the claims.
SMITH LEFT HANGING AHEAD OF COURT RETURN
South Sydney superstar Brandon Smith is yet to get his hands on the full body of evidence that led to him being charged with drug supply and insider information offences as he prepares to return to court next week.
Sport Confidential understands that Smith and his lawyer Paul McGirr have made a number of requests for the brief of evidence but thus far, they have gone unanswered.
Smith’s case is due for a mention on December 4. Following his last appearance at Southport Magistrate’s Court in October, the prosecution was ordered to deliver the brief of evidence to the defence by November 13.
McGirr confirmed they are still waiting.
Brandon Smith is set to return to court next week. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Powick
Brandon Smith is set to return to court next week. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Powick
“We have made a number of requests for the brief of evidence and unfortunately can’t get an answer,” McGirr said.
“We understand that the matter was transferred from the Gold Coast police prosecutors to the Qld Office of the DPP and it’s apparently somewhere in the post.
“The matter is due to return to court soon and we were hoping to have started preparing for the matter and opening discussions with the prosecution however we are stuck in a holding pattern.
“We don’t want to be critical and I’m sure there is a valid reason for the delay and expect the brief soon.”
Smith has returned to training with the Rabbitohs and the NRL has delayed a decision on any sanctions against the New Zealand hooker until the court action has played out.
SEA EAGLE WEIGHS UP SUPER LEAGUE SWITCH
Manly forward Matt Lodge is weighing up offers from the English Super League as he considers a move overseas to end his career.
Lodge played 12 games for the Sea Eagles last season, including the final eight in succession. The 30-year-old was on a cut-price deal on Sydney’s northern beaches and had the opportunity to stay at Manly on a similar level.
Super League sides have now muddied the waters as they launch bids to lure him overseas.
Matthew Lodge is weighing up a move to the Super League. Picture: NRL Photos
Matthew Lodge is weighing up a move to the Super League. Picture: NRL Photos
ROOSTERS CONTINUE RETENTION BLITZ
The Sydney Roosters have landed another crucial blow in their bid to win another title after convincing gun back rower Siua Wong to sign an extension.
Sport Confidential understands that Wong, who was off contract at the end of next year and able to speak to rival clubs from November 1, has agreed to stay at the Roosters until at least the end of 2028.
Wong played 21 games for the Roosters last season, the vast majority as a starting second rower. He also showed he was adept at playing in the middle and the Roosters identified him as a crucial piece of the puzzle.
His decision to stay also takes rugby union off the table - Wong played schoolboy union for Scots College and had the chance to sign with the NSW Waratahs before switching to rugby league.
His contract is now aligned with another young gun in Blake Steep, who signed an extension earlier this month.
The Roosterds have extended Siua Wong until the end of 2028. Picture: Getty Images
The Roosterds have extended Siua Wong until the end of 2028. Picture: Getty Images
BENNETT GOULD CALL TEMPORARY TRUCE
Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould locked horns recently over a proposal to change the kick-off rules but they are set to come together for a good cause next week at a luncheon in honour of the Cure the Future Foundation.
Bennett will explore leadership and team building in a question-and-answer session with Queensland Rugby League chief executive Ben Ikin, who also happens to be his son-in-law.
Gould will then give the keynote address, offering his own views on leadership. The luncheon will be held at Doltone House on Wednesday, December 3.
Tickets can be purchased here.
On this day 10 years ago.
On this day 10 years ago.
FLASHBACK
Mitchell Starc experienced pleasure and pain as Australia took control of cricket’s first day-night Test against New Zealand on this day 10 years ago. Starc took three wickets, but hobbled off with a stress fracture of the foot.
STORM SIGN RISING RAIDERS STAR
Melbourne have added more depth to their outside backs after signing Canberra young gun Manaia Waitere for the 2026 season.
Waitere made his first grade debut in the centres for the Raiders in the final regular season game of last season.
The Cronulla junior joined Canberra in 2024 and became a fixture in their NSW Cup side, making nearly 50 appearances for the club before getting his crack at the NRL.
NSWC 2025 RD26 Canberra Raiders NSW Cup v Penrith Panthers NSW Cup - Manaia Waitere. Picture: NRL Imagery
NSWC 2025 RD26 Canberra Raiders NSW Cup v Penrith Panthers NSW Cup - Manaia Waitere. Picture: NRL Imagery
SPOTTED
Latrell Michell at Stockland Forster happily posing for photos with fans.
SPOTTED
A svelte looking Royce Hunt on his return to Wests Tigers for the pre-season. Hunt is coming off a disappointing first season at the club amid rumours he was free to leave if he could find another home. However, in a sign of his determination to make a good fist of life at the Tigers, Hunt has shed plenty of kilos in the offseason and ripped in. So much so, Sport Confiential was told that coaching staff have given him a new nickname - Skinny.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Storm star set to head to Perth

He will visit the NRL’s 18th franchise for a tour next week.

www.zerotackle.com

Fresh blow for Melbourne Storm as star could join Broncos players in big-money switch

The Storm and Broncos appear likely to lose players. Read more here.

au.news.yahoo.com

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Four new players on Bears list of targets

The Perth-based club have four more players they'd like to sign.

www.zerotackle.com

Tino’s secret meeting with former recruitment boss revealed

He has strong links to the Perth Bears.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Wb1234]

Tino is zero chance to go to Perth and they shouldn’t waste time on guys like him

The more players that say no the harder it gets

If Tino leaves the titans which is unlikely storm would be his most likely destination

Or if haas has left to r360 broncos would’ve got him

 

[Wb1234]

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

If the Perth bears recruitment manager doesn’t have a red hot crack at pappanhausen now then he should be punted

Even nas would be a handy pickup if the price is right

 

[Perth Red]

The list of SL players off contract for 2027.

The 104 Super League stars set to hit open market for 2027

Over 100 Super League players can officially negotiate with rival clubs for 2027 after November 1. Here's that list in full.

www.loverugbyleague.com

 

[Gobsmacked]

Bears Xmas Wishlist: Four players on Perth's radar revealed

The Perth Bears are still hunting for signings for their inaugural team.

www.sen.com.au

Bears Xmas Wishlist: Four players on Perth's radar revealed​

By Sam Kosack

The Perth Bears are still aiming to have ten signatures secured by Christmas with an additional four players in the sights of the expansion side.

Breakout stars Billy Burns, Sam Hughes, Tom Chester, and Jaimin Jolliffe have all been identified as targets by the Bears.

Burns enjoyed a massive backend to the 2025 season, ultimately keeping New Zealand international forward Briton Nikora out of the side for the Sharks’ finals campaign.

Hughes has been a strong performer in the Bulldogs’ forward pack, playing 25 games in his debut 2024 season, but was limited to only 10 games in 2025 after a syndesmosis injury hampered his year.

Jolliffe has made over 100 appearances for the Titans since debuting back in 2020, while Tom Chester is an exciting Cowboys’ outside back, who is returning from injury in 2026 after suffering an ACL in the 2025 pre-season.

Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko revealed the four names on SEN 1170 Afternoons as the club continues to build their inaugural roster.

“I spoke to their recruiter Dane Campbell, who said to me recently that we hope to have 10 signatures by Christmas,” Proszenko said.

“That may or may not be ambitious, but I know that, in speaking to a lot of the agents, they've been very active in that space.

“There are a lot of players that they want to speak to, and I can probably give you a couple of names that haven't been out in the public arena that I've just heard having made a few calls this morning.

“Billy Burns, who's off contract at Cronulla. He's had a terrific season, so much so that Briton Nikora, when he came back from injury, didn't immediately displace him from that Cronulla side that went all

If Perth can land NAS, paps or Lomax as this opportunity opens.
I take back every criticism I've made

 

[Red&BlackBear]

Good chance Ezra Howe comes back to the fold to work beside Dane Campbell.

Said it month or so ago. - there was nothing to the allegations made against him by the Titans and the NRL have cleared him of any wrongdoing, subsequently dropping the investigation completely.

 

[Gobsmacked]

Good chance Ezra Howe comes back to the fold to work beside Dane Campbell.

Said it month or so ago. - there was nothing to the allegations made against him by the Titans and the NRL have cleared him of any wrongdoing, subsequently dropping the investigation completely.

Storm in a teacup that one. Never should have been an issue.

Is there any efforts to get Lomax,Paps and NAS??

 

[Red&BlackBear]

Storm in a teacup that one. Never should have been an issue.

Is there any efforts to get Lomax,Paps and NAS??

Not sure.

But if they are targeted as potential recruits then it would need to be weighed up that Lomax and/or Paps might potentially only be a 1 year deal for 2027 and they might still head to R360 in 2028.

It then would need to be considered if it’s worth signing these guys for a 1 year deal. Even if ends up being 2 year deals - I’d bet the 2nd year would be pushed heavily for a player option by player management anyways.

Then what becomes the real value? If it’s to market and promote the brand and code in WA for the inaugural kick off season then great. I see value in that - more commercially than anything.

If it’s to set initial club player standards - I don’t know if these guys are the ones for that. They are super talented for sure but they are not the hard heads a club requires to really hammer in long term reverberating standards that filter through the next decade.

If it’s signing them “just because” and there’s no genuine greater plan then that’s not great recruitment.

NAS is a bit different. I think he would take a 3 year deal and finish his career in Perth. Whilst he might not be the standard setting forward that he probably should be by this stage of his career - he is an absolute mongrel and every club needs a mongrel. He just really needs to temper his on-field indiscretions.

 

[Wb1234]

Having arl as owners will help here

I’m sure Pvl will steer the r360 trio to Perth

This is like a Stephen Bradbury moment for their recruitment

Throw in sexton and they just need some good forwards and they won’t be a spoon side and could even finish out of the bottom four

R360 will be a godsend for the bears

 

[Wb1234]

Not sure.

But if they are targeted as potential recruits then it would need to be weighed up that Lomax and/or Paps might potentially only be a 1 year deal for 2027 and they might still head to R360 in 2028.

It then would need to be considered if it’s worth signing these guys for a 1 year deal. Even if ends up being 2 year deals - I’d bet the 2nd year would be pushed heavily for a player option by player management anyways.

Then what becomes the real value? If it’s to market and promote the brand and code in WA for the inaugural kick off season then great. I see value in that - more commercially than anything.

If it’s to set initial club player standards - I don’t know if these guys are the ones for that. They are super talented for sure but they are not the hard heads a club requires to really hammer in long term reverberating standards that filter through the next decade.

If it’s signing them “just because” and there’s no genuine greater plan then that’s not great recruitment.

NAS is a bit different. I think he would take a 3 year deal and finish his career in Perth. Whilst he might not be the standard setting forward that he probably should be by this stage of his career - he is an absolute mongrel and every club needs a mongrel. He just really needs to temper his on-field indiscretions.

R360 probably is never happening and players have been burned on empty promises

And Lomax and Papps do have huge marketing value and both can still play at a high level

NAS is experienced even if he’s always suspended

 

[Growthegame]

Having arl as owners will help here

I’m sure Pvl will steer the r360 trio to Perth

This is like a Stephen Bradbury moment for their recruitment

Throw in sexton and they just need some good forwards and they won’t be a spoon side and could even finish out of the bottom four

R360 will be a godsend for the bears

You and Gob are so fickle

 

[Wb1234]

You and Gob are so fickle

Remember who said they should chase Papps first

 

[Red&BlackBear]

R360 probably is never happening and players have been burned on empty promises

And Lomax and Papps do have huge marketing value and both can still play at a high level

NAS is experienced even if he’s always suspended

Paps might have marketing value to him but Lomax, I’m not so sure. He has broken 2 contracts in 3 seasons.

If you’re trying to build a culture - not sure someone with a mentality like that is the right fit.

 

[Red&BlackBear]

Remember who said they should chase Papps first

Yes mate, the reports back in May (post license award) the moment all players who were off contract at the end of 2026 were identified.