'Fantastic day': Mal Meninga strikes again as Eels lose young talent Sean Russell to the Perth Bears

It has taken some time for Mal Meninga to form his inaugural Perth Bears side, but that was not going to deter a young talent from the Eels making to move across the country.

The Bears announced on Wednesday that Parramatta Eels star Sean Russell had put pen to paper on a multi-year deal with the club, keeping him in Perth until the end of 2031.

Russell will play out the final year of his deal with the Eels next season before making the move to Western Australia in 2027, when the Bears will officially join the league.

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"It's another fantastic day for the Perth Bears with Sean committing to our club on a long-term deal," Meninga said in a statement.

"Sean is an outstanding talent who possesses the characteristics I am looking for as we continue to build our inaugural roster.

"He is a proven try-scorer and a fantastic defender. I have no doubt he will be a very important piece in our roster for many years to come."

The 23-year-old had only established a regular spot on the wing for the Eels over the past three years, featuring in 58 games over the time.

Prior to that, he only featured in three games after making his first grade debut in 2021.

"There's already a lot of excitement and anticipation about the Bears entering the NRL, I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of it," Russell said.

"My focus right now remains on the Eels and giving all that I have for 2026. They have supported me throughout my career and I am forever grateful."

Russell is the seventh signing by the Perth Bears, joining Toby Sexton, Harry Newman, Liam Henry, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Luke Smith and Emarly Bitungane.

Bears general manager of football David Sharpe could not hide his excitement to see the club secure one of the rising stars of the game.

"Sean is another Perth Bears recruit who has his best footy ahead of him," said Sharpe.

"His talent on the field speaks for itself, but it is the qualities he has shown off the field that impress me the most.

"I'm delighted to welcome Sean to the Bears in what is another significant day in the history of our club."