Perth Bears cop recruitment blow as Cam McInnes turns back on deal
Updated . First published
Sharks captain Cameron McInnes looks set to become the latest NRL star to head to England, after talks to join the Perth Bears broke down, 9News' Danny Weidler reports.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the off-contract former Blues forward had been offered a two-year deal to head west.
But on Wednesday morning, Weidler reported talks had broken down and he was likely to join the Super League.
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Reports claim that Cronulla wanted to retain the 32-year-old, whose focus is starting to turn towards life after football.
The Bears were keen for McInnes to follow Sharks teammate Siosifa Talakai to the west coach. The duo would have been the first two Bears signings with Origin experience.
McInnes was also viewed as a potential inaugural captain, considering his standing in the game.
The NRL this week reportedly agreed to help the Bears attract big-name players to the club, although what that entails remains unclear. The move has put other NRL clubs offside.
McInnes is one of many Sharks off contract at the end of the 2026 season, with the likes of Will Kennedy, Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Jesse Ramien, Sam Stonestreet and Sione Katoa all free agents from the end of the year.
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Cameron McInnes. Getty
McInnes made a successful return in round eight this year from an ACL injury he suffered against the Cowboys in round 24 last season.
Souths halfback Jamie Humphreys and Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua are also reportedly in negotiations with Perth officials.
McInnes has made 228 NRL appearances since his debut for the Rabbitohs in 2014. He played State of Origin in 2024.
Current Bears signings: Siosifa Talakai, Toby Sexton, Tyran Wishart, Nick Meaney, Apa Twidle, Harry Newman, Sean Russell, Luke Laulilii, Liam Henry, Mikolaj Oledzki, Scott Sorensen, Josh Curran, Emarly Bitungane, Luke Smith, James McDonnell, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Chris Vea'ila and Kit Laulilii
