Bears Confirmed & Rumoured Signings

[SirPies&Beers]

Garner?

Off-contract Garner declares he wants to stay at Penrith • The Western Weekender

Luke Garner wants to secure his future at the foot of the Mountains.

www.westernweekender.com.au

" With his signature in demand around the league, especially with Perth and PNG set to enter the competition in the coming years, Garner has a lot to weigh up.

The likeable backrower said he doesn’t want to think too much about what’s next.

“I’m trying not to get caught up in all that type of stuff,” Garner said.

“If you worry about that too much, it can probably take away from the way you play or how you train because you’re wasting too much energy on that type of stuff.

“I just try and let my football do the talking. I’ll just be training hard, playing hard and then whatever happens, happens.”

With Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry already WA-bound next year, speculation is mounting on whether Garner could be the next Panther to enter the Bears’ den."

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Lomax makes contract call after Eels settlement

It comes in the wake of a messy legal stoush between two NRL cubs.

www.zerotackle.com

Lomax to chase Wallabies ‘dream’ after signing two-year deal with Force

A week after his immediate NRL future was decided, the ex-Eels winger has signed to play in the 15-man game.

www.smh.com.au

Lomax signs with Western Force... will be living in Perth.

Relevance to Bears? He is now geographically in the area and who knows might end up back in NRL after his first year.

 

[Centy Coast]

@bad boy bubby @Special K

https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2026-cronulla-sharks-players-off-contract-coach-craig-fitzgibbon-will-kennedy-20260306-p5o877.html

like article states where do you lads think Cameron McInnes, Will Kennedy, Jesse Ramien, Braden Uele, Billy Burns, Sione Katoa, Hohepa Puru, Toby Rudolf, and Sam Stonestreet land?

Bears will nab another 1 maybe 2 yeah? Maybe.

I really hope that the Bears land atleast two to four of these players: Cam McInness, Toby Rudolf, Billy Burns, Will Kennedy and Sione Katoa at the forefront.
Luke Garner, Jack Cole would also be great additions.

 

[Peach & Apricot]

As a Sharks fan I hope you get McInnes

 

[Bukowski]

Luke Laulilii is starting the season in first grade for the tigers. He finished last season with a few in front of him so must have had a good off season.

 

[Gobsmacked]

Luke Laulilii is starting the season in first grade for the tigers. He finished last season with a few in front of him so must have had a good off season.

Yeah, I was thinking the same. He must be going alright if he got first crack.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

‘Slap in the face’ Storm twist in shock Lomax return; fresh Bears target emerges — Whispers

‘Slap in the face’ Storm twist in shock Lomax return; fresh Bears target emerges — Whispers

www.foxsports.com.au

Less than 48 hours after becoming the latest rugby league star to switch codes to rugby union, rumours have emerged that Zac Lomax could potentially find himself back playing in the NRL as early as the 2027 season.

Speaking on Triple M’s NRL Daily, Code Sports journalists Brent Read and David Riccio discussed the idea that a move to the Melbourne Storm or Perth Bears could potentially be on the cards.

“If he spends two years there and wants to come back to rugby league, he’ll be in Melbourne,” Read said.

“They just went to court for him, they paid his court fees. If he doesn’t go to Melbourne, it’s the ultimate slap in the face.”

Meanwhile, fellow Code Sports journalist David Riccio floated the idea that Lomax could find himself playing under Mal Meninga at the Bears as early as the start of the 2027 season.

“The Bears are across the road. If he spends 12 months with the Force and knocks on Mal [Meninga’s] door and knowing the ARL Commission also have a say on how the Perth Bears operate - Lomax back to the NRL through the Bears,” Riccio said.

Read added, “If he goes to the Western Force this year and he’s rubbish, he can’t play and he’s not a chance of playing for the Wallabies, Melbourne will come knocking at the end of the year...as if they’re going to turn their back on Zac Lomax.

“That’s the very least Zac Lomax owes Melbourne to go back at the end of this two-year period and play for the Storm.”

The links to both the Bears and Storm come as Lomax failed to rule out a potential return to the 13-man code when speaking at a joint press conference with Rugby Australia and the Western Force.

“For me, this is my future. But mate, I’ll never rule out what’s to be later on down the track,” Lomax said on Tuesday after being asked if he was open to making an NRL return in the future.

“I want to be the best rugby union player that I can. I’ve already said that I’m super grateful for everything that rugby league has given me.

“Rugby league has given me the chance to be where we are today. I’m super thankful for that. To my previous clubs, I’m super grateful. But for me, it’s all about the future and I’ve been able to make a decision.

“Obviously, there’s been a whole heap of speculation, but I am truly confident in my decision and one that I just can’t wait to rip into.”

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Bears should look at TRAI FULLER or CHEVY STEWART if those 2 players are really being linked to go overseas.

Chevy STEWART

‘Slap in the face’ Storm twist in shock Lomax return; fresh Bears target emerges — Whispers

‘Slap in the face’ Storm twist in shock Lomax return; fresh Bears target emerges — Whispers

www.foxsports.com.au

RISING RAIDER ON THE MOVE?

Linked to the Cronulla Sharks and St George Illawarra Dragons at the backend of last season, Chevy Stewart has now found himself targeted by multiple overseas clubs.

As reported by Love Rugby League, several teams in the Super League are keeping a close eye on the two-time Under-19s NSW Blues representative and have identified him as a possible transfer target.

Once regarded as the future No.1 of the Canberra Raiders, the 20-year-old has unfortunately fallen down the pecking order behind Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Alaia but that hasn’t stopped him from trying to lock down a spot in the NRL side.

Recently making the transition to the centres, he has scored 14 tries in 24 NSW Cup appearances.

“It’s a good question actually. Obviously, I want to be a first-grader,” Stewart told The Canberra Times in February.

“That’s what everyone wants to do. I just want to push the boys and push for a spot wherever it is.

“I don’t know - centre, fullback. I’ll play anywhere. I just want to show that I can bring value to the team and put myself in good stead for the season.

“Hopefully get a chance in one of those spots.”

Trai FULLER

Dolphins star offered to Super League clubs as fullback transfer

Super League clubs have been offered another high-profile fullback option in the NRL: with one of the Dolphins' big names circulated to teams.

www.loverugbyleague.com

Dolphins star Trai Fuller is the latest player to be offered to Super League clubs looking for a potential early-season replacement for some of their injured stars.

The competition is facing a near-unprecedented injury crisis in the early weeks of the season, with a number of clubs already extremely light on bodies after just four rounds of 2026.

However, fullback is undoubtedly the area of interest given how a handful of teams have already lost their first-choice number one for extended periods or, in the case of some clubs, the rest of the season. Hull FC’s Will Pryce and Castleford’s Blake Taaffe will not play again this year.

Those clubs are actively in the market for a new signing, with Hull definitely having the quota space and Castleford considering whether to apply for an exemption to remove Taaffe from their allocation for the rest of 2026 – but that would come with complications for 2027.

Love Rugby League revealed last week how Queensland Cup fullback of the year Ben Farr was a name of interest who had been circulated to clubs as a transfer option.

And now, it can be revealed that Farr is not the only name floated to English sides – with Fuller also circulated as a possible transfer target that would be open to a move to England, as first revealed on the new episode of the Love Rugby League podcast.

The 28-year-old is second choice at the Dolphins given the presence of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, though Fuller is currently set to be used as a utility option by Kristian Woolf as it stands.

But Super League sides have been told that Fuller would be open to a move to England for the right opportunity; however, his lack of game-time in the NRL in recent years mean he would need to command a bumper salary to be able to secure a visa. Love Rugby League has also been told Fuller has interest in Australia from other clubs.

The likes of Leigh Leopards are currently without their two primary choices for fullback, with David Armstrong and Bailey Hodgson injured. Huddersfield also look set to be in a similar position with George Flanagan set to join Niall Evalds on the sidelines – and Wigan are without Jai Field. Bevan French is having scans on a hamstring problem.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Ranking the seven best Super League stars off-contract and available to sign for 2027 - Serious About Rugby League

The 2026 Super League season is officially in full swing, but despite the campaign only just getting going, club higher-ups will already be planning for the 2027 season and beyond. Contract talk will slowly begin to rise as the year continues, however there have already been some major moves be...

www.seriousaboutrl.com

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Cobbo & Burns?

Bears coach Mal Meninga continues to beef-up his playing roster for 2027 with speculation suggesting his next targets will be Dolphins star Selwyn Cobbo and Cronulla forward Billy Burns.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/perth-bears-target-south-sydney-rabbitohs-for-historic-opening-nrl-game/news-story/c8925d92aa8b64a248d7e2c263bc2039?amp

Full article below

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/perth-bears-target-south-sydney-rabbitohs-for-historic-opening-nrl-game/news-story/c8925d92aa8b64a248d7e2c263bc2039

Perth Bears target South Sydney Rabbitohs for historic opening NRL game​

The Perth Bears have kicked-off discussions with the NRL over their first ever NRL game in 2027, throwing down the gauntlet to the Rabbitohs - and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Perth Bears want to create rugby league history with South Sydney – and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
This masthead can reveal the Bears have opened top-level discussions about playing the club’s first ever game against the Rabbitohs in Perth next year.
And Perth management has spoken to Souths about the possibility of Albanese flying west for the groundbreaking opening round game given the Prime Minister’s strong connection to the Rabbitohs.
Albanese is close to WA Premier and rugby league tragic Roger Cook.
Perth officials are aware that Albanese sitting next to Cook – both cheering for their respective sides – would attract national media coverage.

The Bears are keen to take on the Rabbitohs in their first ever NRL game, and want Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to attend. Picture: Getty Images
Ultimately, the NRL will decide and approve the draw but the Bears will formally ask to play Souths at what will be a rollicking, sold out HBF Stadium.
It will all form part of a proposal which will be lodged at NRL headquarters with Souths understood to be in favour of playing the Bears in round one next season.
Data indicates Souths have the largest fan base of all NRL clubs in Western Australia.
The Rabbitohs have regularly taken one home game a year to Perth since 2009 and will again travel to Western Australia for a round six double-header at Optus Stadium this season along with Canberra, Cronulla and Sydney Roosters.
There are early indications that Perth’s first game will actually have a waiting list for fans who missed out on tickets but want to attend.

Perth Bears’ pathway partners, North Sydney, were a 1908 NSWRL foundation club along with Souths.
A 50-year, Sydney-based Norths fan, Tim Norris, said he and a group of fellow supporters would be travelling to Perth for the Bears’ first home game.
“We will have waited a long time for that day to have arrived so we’ll definitely be there in Perth for that special moment when the Bears once again run out in top-flight rugby league,” Norris said.
The Bears are still discussing the possibility of playing one home game a year in Sydney.
While the club hasn’t yet made any formal decisions, that Sydney game could be against old foes, Manly.
It has been suggested the Sea Eagles game could potentially be played at North Sydney Oval, but it could easily be contested at Allianz Stadium, where the match could pull a crowd of around 30,000 to 35,000.
Manly and Norths engaged in a fierce north side rivalry for more than 50 years.
Bears coach Mal Meninga continues to beef-up his playing roster for 2027 with speculation suggesting his next targets will be Dolphins star Selwyn Cobbo and Cronulla forward Billy Burns.
Perth’s HBF Park has a capacity of around 21,000 with the Bears hoping to sell out every home match next season.
The Bears enter the NRL next season with the PNG Chiefs to join in 2028.

 

[Hoofhearted]

Luke Laulilii is starting the season in first grade for the tigers. He finished last season with a few in front of him so must have had a good off season.

Word is he had a great off season, but he's in this week because Toa is injured and Skelton only just recovered from injury and named on the bench.

 

[Hoofhearted]

Players not getting a run atm:

Broncos: Grant Anderson
Bulldogs: Sean O’Sullivan
Cowboys: John Bateman
Dolphins: Trai Fuller
Dragons: Tyrell Sloan
Eels: Charlie Guymer
Knights: Matt Arthur
Panthers: Izack Tago
Rabbitohs: Peter Mamouzelos
Raiders: Coby Black
Roosters: Salesi Foketi
Sea Eagles: Blake Wilson
Sharks: Oregon Kaufusi
Storm: Josiah Pahulu
Titans: Zane Harrison
Tigers: Jeral Skelton
Warriors: Rocco Berry

This is just one player per club taken from the paper today, no world beaters or marquees here but definitely some options that I'm sure the club would be exploring.

 

[Bukowski]

Geyer has supposedly told the tigers that he's signed with the bears.
No real surprise

 

[SirPies&Beers]

 

[SirPies&Beers]

‘Everybody’s got to take a breath’: Walsh kept waiting for NRL start this season

Manly coach Anthony Seibold said the club’s future long-term halfback needed more time to develop before being thrown into first grade rugby league full-time.

www.smh.com.au

Bears considering making play for Blues star​

By Adrian Proszenko, Billie Eder, Tom Decent and Dan Walsh​

Updated March 11, 2026 — 11.55am,first published March 8, 2026 — 1.30pm


Parramatta has upped the ante with a three-year, $2.6 million bid for Warriors forward Mitchell Barnett, as the Perth Bears consider making a play for NSW Blues star Connor Watson.
The Eels initially offered Barnett a two-year contract, but increased the offer to three seasons in the hope of getting their man. Manly and the Dragons have also expressed interest, but the Eels and the Broncos lead the chase for his signature.

Brisbane’s offer is for only two years, with an option for a third. However, the chance to link with the premiers, and be close to family based in Queensland, means the Broncos remain a legitimate option.
Barnett is the hottest property on the open market after the Warriors agreed to release him at the end of the season on compassionate terms. His departure comes on the proviso that the club is “compensated in the form of a player or two,” chief executive Cameron George has said.

That’s a price Parramatta is likely willing to pay given they were also looking for suitable recompense in return for releasing Zac Lomax to another NRL club. The Eels are keen to sign a marquee forward after missing out on Keaon Koloamatangi, who will join the Dragons from next year.

He isn’t the only State of Origin star who could be changing clubs. The Perth Bears have identified Roosters utility Watson as a player of interest for their inaugural roster, according to sources not authorised to speak publicly.
The Bears are yet to approach Watson or his manager, but feel he could potentially be a marquee man worth pursuing.
Watson can play a number of positions, including hooker, halves, back-row and as a bench utility. He also has leadership qualities that could make him an attractive proposition for coach Mal Meninga.

 

[Perth Red]

Ranking the seven best Super League stars off-contract and available to sign for 2027 - Serious About Rugby League

The 2026 Super League season is officially in full swing, but despite the campaign only just getting going, club higher-ups will already be planning for the 2027 season and beyond. Contract talk will slowly begin to rise as the year continues, however there have already been some major moves be...

www.seriousaboutrl.com

Owen Trout only player I’d like to see at bears out of that list.

 

[Perth Red]

Be interesting if they’ve signed Meaney with a promise of the #1 jersey. If so can’t see any interest in Fuller.

presuming Wishart is earmarked for the #6 then quality hooker has to be top priority.

 

[bad boy bubby]

Owen Trout only player I’d like to see at bears out of that list.

Signed with the Sharks.

Billy Burns has been playing great for Cronulla. I'd prefer we kept him than lose him.

 

[Red&BlackBear]

Geyer has supposedly told the tigers that he's signed with the bears.
No real surprise

Mal, David & Dane are currently in Sydney to finalise some things and to open up negotiations on other things.

 

[SirPies&Beers]

Lomax denies Bears conversations after WA Rugby move

Lomax reveals the toll the speculation took on him during his court saga.

www.sen.com.au

https://sportnation.nz/article/zac-lomax-perth-bears-western-force-speculation