The Bears are back, so who will they sign? 30 potential targets for Perth expansion franchise
30 targets for Perth Bears
It's (almost) official - the Bears are back in business for the 2027 season.
While the green light hasn't been given by the NRL just yet, all signs point towards the Perth expansion franchise joining the competition in less than two years.
Brad Arthur has already been earmarked as the front-runner to be head coach, but the biggest challenge will be attracting marquee playing talent.
Officials will need to move quickly, with November 1 this year signalling the day the Bears will be able to start negotiating with players available for their inaugural season.
Wide World of Sports takes a look at 30 potential targets for the NRL's newest team once they join the competition.
NOTE: We are not saying they will sign all 30 of these players - or even anything close to it - instead highlighting the best of the available crop of talent.
Ryan Papenhuyzen
One of the most dangerous players in the game, Papenhuyzen looms as a genuine marquee target for the expansion team.
While there's no doubting his talent, the Storm have already invested long-term in Sua Fa'alogo and might not be able to keep both fullbacks around.
Papenhuyzen could attract a huge pay packet if he were to leave Melbourne.
PRICE TAG: $1 million
Keano Kini
Currently sidelined with a neck injury, Kini enjoyed a breakout season with the Titans in 2024 and earned an international call-up with the Kiwis at the end of the year.
While it's expected he will return later this year or early next year, Kini could be an option that WA officials look closely at.
Gold Coast already have the likes of AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell, as well as speedster Jaylan De Groot, on their books.
PRICE TAG: $700,000
Jye Gray
The pint-sized Souths fullback shot out of the gates and put the rugby league world on notice to start this season and was leading the Dally Ms at one stage.
However, with the presence of Latrell Mitchell at the club, his chances of being the long-term No.1 appear slim.
Gray is tough, has a high work rate and speed to burn, while his best football is certainly still to come.
PRICE TAG: $500,000
Tyrell Sloan
The local junior has been shafted to the wing this season at the Dragons and while he's played some good football, Sloan would no doubt still see himself as a fullback moving forward.
Should the youngster opt to look around and assess his options, the Bears could be a potential landing spot.
Sloan has X-factor and try-scoring ability like few others in the competition and could be to the Bears what Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has become at the Dolphins.
PRICE TAG: $600,000
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
You can't teach experience and leadership, which is what the 2018 Dally M Medal winner has in spades.
While no longer at his scintillating best, Tuivasa-Sheck can fill a variety of roles in the backline and on his day, can still be a genuine game-breaker.
New clubs need to have a balance of youth and seniority, which could make the cross-code superstar a viable target.
PRICE TAG: $850,000
Savelio Tamale
The fleet-footed Raiders winger has seemingly come from nowhere this season, but those in the know have been aware of his abilities for many years.
Tamale has already established himself as one of the best young outside backs in the game and his stocks will only rise if the Green Machine keep winning games.
Look for the club to try and re-sign Tamale before he becomes available in November.
PRICE TAG: $500,000
Tolutau Koula
Has been destined for big things since his days at schoolboy level and while Koula hasn't reached his potential yet, there's reason to believe he will soon.
One of the quickest players in the entire NRL and able to play multiple roles, the 22-year-old has experience in finals footy and on the international stage with Tonga.
Koula is a genuine strike weapon and could be a player the Bears build around.
PRICE TAG: $750,000
Kayal Iro
It took some time for him to become a regular first grader at the Sharks, but it's obvious now that Iro is going to be around for a long time.
Still only 25, he has become a huge threat for Cronulla since locking down a spot last season and has all the tools to develop into an elite centre.
PRICE TAG: $550,000
Herbie Farnworth
Already one of the best outside backs in the competition, Farnworth was a huge coup for the Dolphins when he signed with the club at the end of 2023.
He's since become a consistent performer, but remains unsigned beyond next season and could attract huge interest on November 1 if they don't move soon.
PRICE TAG: $900,000
