Meninga’s Bears poach young gun in fresh code wars blow

Rugby league has landed a fresh blow in the code wars, with the Perth Bears poaching a rising star from rugby union.

Mal Meninga’s Bears have signed Cooper Watters, a 20-year-old outside back from Bathurst, on a two-year deal.

The New South Welshman played for the Australian Schoolboys, the under-20 Wallabies team and Australia’s senior rugby sevens side.

He was a standout performer in last year’s under-20 world rugby championship, where he topped the line break and tackle counts for the junior Wallabies team.

The Bears, who will enter the NRL as its 18th team in 2027, believe he has what it takes to be a success on a wing or in the centres in the top flight of rugby league.

“Cooper is a trailblazer – just like the Bears – in making this move from rugby union to rugby league,” Meninga, Perth’s inaugural coach, said.

“He’s dedicated to improving his game and has plenty of skill and plenty of speed.

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“I love his commitment to the game and his confidence. He is being bold by joining the Bears, which is a core value of the club, as we look to build the foundations for a long and successful future.”

Watters has started training with the North Sydney Bears’ NSW Cup side ahead of a move to Perth in the off-season.

In Meninga, he will have one of the greatest rugby league centres of all time – and an Immortal – showing him the way.

But Watters won’t be cutting his teeth in the 13-man code – he played rugby league, as well as union, as a boy growing up in Bathurst.

“He comes from great Australian Schoolboys pedigree and his time with the North Sydney Bears will prepare him for the rigours of the Bears’ pre-season program in Perth,” Meninga added.

“Cooper’s background in sevens has given him something you can’t really coach – the ability to read space, beat defenders one-on-one and finish under pressure at speed.”

Watters said he was fizzing to begin life in Perth.

“Growing up I was a massive rugby league fan, so I am very excited about getting to live out my dream of one day playing in the NRL,” the cross-code young gun said.

“I’ve loved every bit of my union and sevens journey, but when I look honestly at where my future is best served, I think league is the right path for me. I feel like my skillset is built for it.

“Coming into a brand-new club is a bit daunting, but I think it’s the perfect place for me knowing the frameworks the Bears have in place, and I look forward to growing my game under Mal Meninga and his team.

“I really believe the Bears are the right place to help me become the best version of myself as a footballer.”