Perth Bears Target Top NRL Players for 2026 Season Amidst Contract Market

The Perth Bears want to sign many top NRL players, including Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Blayke Brailey, for the 2026 season. This is a big step for the new team.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

The Perth Bears, an emerging NRL franchise, are actively navigating a complex player acquisition landscape, aiming to bolster their roster for the upcoming seasons. Their recruitment efforts are marked by a strategic focus on acquiring established talent while also exploring opportunities presented by player contract situations across the league. The club faces the dual challenge of assembling a competitive squad under salary cap constraints and in a competitive transfer market, where other clubs also vie for sought-after players.

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Background of Player Movement

The NRL's player transfer market is characterized by the movement of players between clubs, influenced by contract expirations, salary cap management, and player ambition. For an expansion club like the Perth Bears, this period is crucial for establishing a core group of players and building a competitive presence. Key dates, such as the November 1st deadline for contract discussions and potential player movements, shape the pace and direction of these negotiations.

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Key Recruitment Targets and Activity

Perth Bears' recruitment strategy has identified several high-profile players as primary targets. These pursuits highlight the club's ambition to attract talent capable of making an immediate impact.

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  • Primary Targets: Reports indicate that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans captain) and Blayke Brailey (Cronulla Sharks hooker) are among the Bears' most prominent recruitment objectives. Siosifa Talakai (Sharks) is also a significant focus, with reports of a three-year offer being considered.

  • Broader Search: The Bears' interest extends across various positions. Other players linked to the club include Reed Mahoney, Jacob Liddle, Ryley Smith, Tallyn Da Silva, Matt Arthur, Zac Hosking, Beau Fermor, Thomas Cant Naufahu Whyte, Lachlan Hubner, Hamish Stewart, Morgan Smithies, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Keano Kini, Lachlan Galvin, Herbie Farnworth, Jahrome Hughes, Luke Metcalf, Sandon Smith, and Cameron McInnes.

  • Player Commitments: The Bears have encountered situations where their targets have committed to other clubs or re-signed with their current teams. Players like Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Jayden Campbell, Beau Fermor, and Reuben Garrick have either re-signed, committed elsewhere, or are no longer available.

  • Player Movement Examples:

  • Zac Lomax: Was released by the Eels with a stipulation that he could not sign with a rival NRL club for the remainder of his contract. He secured a deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

  • Elliott: Signed a one-year deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

  • McDonnell: Joined the Bears on a two-year deal, expressing ambition to play in the NRL.

Contractual Considerations and Market Pressures

The Bears' recruitment drive is operating within the realities of salary cap limitations and a competitive player market. This environment influences the club's ability to secure desired players and necessitates careful financial planning.

Bears lock up versatile Sharks star as next signing targets revealed — Transfer Whispers - 4

  • Salary Cap Constraints: The Bears must contend with salary cap pressures, which can affect their capacity to make high-value signings.

  • Market Availability: The player market is described as "tight," suggesting limited availability of top-tier talent.

  • Player Market Testing: Some players, like Sione Katoa (Sharks winger), are expected to test their value on the open market after their current clubs opted not to open contract extension talks.

  • Player Status: The status of players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who has a get-out clause in his contract, presents opportunities for the Bears. Conversely, players such as Briton Nikora have retained their positions within successful teams, impacting the availability of others.

  • NRL Investigations: Broader issues within the NRL, such as investigations into player agents, may indirectly influence the player market dynamics.

Club-Specific Recruitment Strategies

The Bears' approach involves identifying players across all positions, aiming for a balanced squad composition.

  • Front Row/Prop Targets: Players like Zac Hosking, Beau Fermor, and Thomas Cant are mentioned in this category.

  • Back Row/Edge Targets: Naufahu Whyte, Lachlan Hubner, Hamish Stewart, Morgan Smithies, and Cameron McInnes are noted as potential acquisitions.

  • General Backline Targets: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Keano Kini, Lachlan Galvin, Herbie Farnworth, Jahrome Hughes, Luke Metcalf, Sandon Smith, Reed Mahoney, and Tallyn Da Silva are listed as players of interest.

  • Halfback Focus: There is a specific mention of targeting a halfback, with a former Bulldogs star being linked as a potential first signing for the franchise.

  • Past Experience: The club is also considering players with prior experience in new franchises, such as a player who joined the Dolphins after leaving the Bulldogs.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Perth Bears are engaged in a vigorous recruitment phase, attempting to secure key players to establish their presence in the NRL. Their success will depend on their ability to navigate salary cap complexities, outmaneuver rival clubs in the transfer market, and attract talent to a new franchise. While several high-profile targets are being pursued, the Bears are also casting a wide net, indicating a strategic effort to build depth across their roster. The coming months will likely reveal the extent to which their primary objectives are met and how their initial signings shape the club's foundation.

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  • Key Action: Bears are actively pursuing multiple high-profile players.

  • Key Challenge: Navigating salary cap pressures and a competitive market.

  • Key Observation: Several targets have already committed elsewhere.

Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Perth Bears trying to do for the 2026 NRL season?
The Perth Bears are trying to sign new players, especially well-known NRL stars, to build a strong team for the 2026 season. They are looking at players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Blayke Brailey.
Q: Which top players are the Perth Bears trying to sign for 2026?
The Perth Bears are trying to sign players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Blayke Brailey, and Siosifa Talakai. They are also looking at many other players across different positions.
Q: What problems are the Perth Bears facing when signing players?
The Perth Bears have to deal with money limits called salary caps and a busy player market where other teams also want the same players. Some players they want have already signed with other clubs.
Q: Have the Perth Bears signed any players yet for 2026?
Yes, the Perth Bears have signed McDonnell on a two-year deal. They are still trying to get other key players, but some targets have committed to other teams or are unavailable.
Q: Why is it hard for the Perth Bears to sign players?
It's hard because they are a new team and must follow the NRL's salary cap rules. Many other established clubs are also trying to sign the best players, making the market very competitive.