Every position, every target as Bears set to spark $12m NRL feeding frenzy

The Perth Bears’ bid to build a winning NRL roster begins on November 1.

Constructing a team capable of competing in a club’s debut campaign is a terribly difficult task, but if the Dolphins are anything to go by, it’s possible to show positive signs.

Mal Meninga, alongside his recruitment team led by Dane Campbell, will be hopeful of securing some talented players ahead of their entry into the competition in 2027. Campbell has set a goal of having the first 10 players signed by Christmas.

And it’s fair to say there’s no shortage of talent set to hit the open market.

Here, foxsports.com.au breaks down the players the Bears could target once the free agency window opens!

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FULLBACK

Potential targets: Jayden Campbell, Tom Chester, Kade Dykes, Trai Fuller, Jye Gray, Jamayne Isaako, William Kennedy, Heath Mason, Nick Meaney, Tyrell Sloan, James Tedesco, Connor Tracey, Tom Trbojevic, Taine Tuaupiki

Elite targets: Filling the No.1 jersey with a quality fullback will be crucial for the Perth Bears to have any degree of success in 2027, and there’s no shortage of talent ready to be recruited. The biggest marquee name on this list is James Tedesco. It would be difficult to imagine Tedesco taking the leap and moving to Perth, but a mammoth salary for potentially his last NRL contract could entice anyone to make the move west. The 32-year-old is reportedly signing contracts on a year-by-year basis with the Roosters, but he has shown no signs of slowing down and won the Dally M Medal by a landslide in 2025. A slightly longer-term deal might be one way to secure Tedesco’s services for 2027, even though he will be 34 by the time the Bears complete their NRL return. Elsewhere, Campbell is an exciting recruitment prospect. The 25-year-old spent the 2025 season at halfback but arguably his best position is in the No.1 jersey. The fact he can be an elite player in a handful of positions bodes well for the Bears, who will need to be fluid in their recruitment strategy to build the best team possible. He is set to hit the open market on November 1, despite a mammoth contract tabled by the Titans to keep him at the club worth around $4.5m across five years. It’s fair to say the Bears could trump that.

Smart buys: Connor Tracey, for the same reason as Campbell, shapes as a very astute signing. The 29-year-old locked down the No.1 jersey for the Bulldogs in 2025 and is a very reliable performer. He does exactly what it says on the tin — works hard, runs the ball hard and his support play is impressive, so he could serve as a cheaper option than the two aforementioned. Will Kennedy signed a one-year extension for the 2026 season, but will be free to negotiate with rivals come November 1. To start the 2025 season, the Sharks gun was in impressive form and he was forced to take a pay cut to remain in the Shire reportedly worth around $350,000. With NRL careers being short, Kennedy could look to secure a more lucrative contract and make the move west. Trai Fuller is another who has impressed, despite having played only 16 games across three seasons with the Dolphins. Considering he is 28, Fuller could be hoping to get the most out of rugby league that he can, and a move to the Bears could make that dream a reality. Fuller is a livewire in the No.1 jersey and has endeared himself to Dolphins and rugby league fans alike, and there’s no doubt he’d be a fan favourite if he made the move to the western state.

WING

Potential targets: Josh Addo-Carr, Jesse Arthars, Selwyn Cobbo, Mathew Feagai, Reuben Garrick, Moala Graham-Taufa, Sione Katoa, Greg Marzhew, Marcelo Montoya, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jaxson Paulo, Phillip Sami, Sam Stonestreet, Murray Taulagi, Christian Tuipulotu, Daniel Tupou, Will Warbrick, Tom Jenkins, Jeral Skelton

Elite targets: There’s a plethora of talent on offer in the wing position and, unfortunately for the Bears, Mark Nawaqanitawase will return to rugby union once his contract ends. In terms of marquee targets on the flank, wingers generally won’t fully break the bank. However, recruiting the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Reuben Garrick or Selwyn Cobbo would be a huge boost for the new franchise. Addo-Carr looks unlikely to depart the Eels anytime soon, having enjoyed one of his best seasons to date under Jason Ryles. It looks like ‘The Foxx’ has found a home in western Sydney and it would take a mammoth offer to pry him away. That leaves Cobbo and Garrick, with both players set to hit the open market come November 1. Cobbo signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins for the 2026 season, setting himself up to field an offer from the Bears and NRL rivals for 2026. When fit and firing, there’s no arguing the 23-year-old is one of rugby league’s most potent attacking threats and his value could soar past his fellow wingers due to his ability to play fullback. Mal Meninga will almost certainly be sitting down with Cobbo’s manager in the coming weeks but it remains to be seen where he sees himself position wise long-term. Garrick is another player who could play on the wing, in the centres and at fullback and has been a consistent performer for the Sea Eagles. Manly have reportedly tabled a two-year deal worth around $1 million to secure his services, but Garrick will hit the open mark to test his value. It’s fair to say the Bears could best that offer and according to WWOS, Garrick has been flagged as a genuine recruitment option once he hits the open market. Adding to Garrick’s value is his goalkicking ability, ticking that box for the new franchise the same way Jamayne Isaako has done for the Dolphins.

Smart buys: Greg Marzhew is one option who would not break the bank, but it remains to be seen if the Knights want to retain the powerhouse winger. The 28-year-old looks set to hit the open market and has become a fan favourite with Newcastle faithful. But injuries hampered him last year, and his defensive reads have at times left much to be desired. Sam Stonestreet is one player who has had limited opportunities in the NRL, but has shown he could develop into a genuine star. Across his 11 games, Stonestreet has scored eight times and has been a strong replacement when called upon for the Sharks. However, his path to first grade is well and truly blocked, so he could seek opportunities at the Bears. Will Warbrick is another talented flyer that could be an enticing recruitment option, but with a place on the wing for the Storm cemented, it looks unlikely he will leave a winning system.

CENTRE

Potential targets: Jake Averillo, Rocco Berry, Jack Bird, Braidon Burns, Max Feagai, Dane Gagai, Delouise Hoeter, Brian Kelly, Will Penisini, Jesse Ramien, Solomone Saukuru, Aaron Schoupp, Enari Tuala, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chris Vea’ila, Matt Timoko

Elite targets: As aforementioned, Reuben Garrick and Connor Tracey could slot into the centres as strong recruitment options. But when it comes to the elite category, Jesse Ramien, Matt Timoko and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck stick out above the bunch. Tuivasa-Sheck looks set to join rebel rugby competition R360 and cash in. He is currently 32, meaning he is unlikely to be given a long-term contract with the Warriors, so a lucrative switch to end his playing days makes sense for the gun outside back. However, the Bears could attempt to lure him west with a lucrative offer of their own to play in the centres. Ramien, meanwhile, is set to hit the open market on November 1, but has been given permission to negotiate with rivals for the 2026 season. Cronulla’s decision hurts the Bears chances of landing the gun centre, considering he could sign a long-term deal elsewhere, with the Titans reportedly interested among five other rivals. Ramien is only 28 years old and averaged 135 running metres per-game this year, while also consistently making a dent in defensive lines. Ramien would be a strong recruitment option and his current salary reportedly sits at the $500,000 mark. Timoko, meanwhile, could hit the open market come November 1, but could equally be retained by the Raiders with club options in his contract for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. However, he is another strong option and has shown across his 111 NRL games that he is desperately hard to contain.

Smart buys: As for some more savvy options, Braidon Burns has shown he can do a job in the backline during his time at the Cowboys. The 29-year-old played 13 games in 2025 and scored seven tries, largely being deployed as a winger. Burns shapes as a cut-price option but one that could do a job. Elsewhere, Jake Averillo would be a great signing, considering he can also play in the halves and at fullback. The 25-year-old has his best NRL years ahead of him and has already shown he is willing to take a punt and join a new franchise, as he did with the Dolphins after departing the Bulldogs. Jack Bird could also be available for a cut price and has previously been given permission to negotiate with rivals regarding a move from the Tigers. He hasn’t fully found his feet under Benji Marshall, but has a wealth of NRL experience under his belt and would not break the bank as a recruitment option.

FIVE-EIGHTH

Potential targets: Jack Cole, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tyson Gamble, Te Maire Martin, Kodi Nikorima, Jaxon Purdue, Josh Rogers, Cody Walker

Elite targets: There is not a lot of elite five-eighths coming off-contract in 2026, with Cody Walker the most accomplished of the lot. Cameron Munster was linked with a potential move West, but he has pledged his future to the Storm after Jonah Pezet’s exit to the Broncos via a one year deal at the Eels in 2026. However, Walker is expected to retire after next season and is unlikely to leave the Rabbitohs if he does play on in 2027. Still, if the Bears thought he could do a job and help mentor their young halves in their inaugural season, they could make him an offer too good to refuse. Cowboys star Jaxon Purdue is the other name on the list with tremendous potential, which is why Todd Payten has earmarked him as Tom Dearden’s long-term halves partner. Purdue will still be 22 by 2027 and could be the Bears’ five-eighth for the next decade, so it would be a wise investment to come in over the top of the Cowboys when he hits the open market on November 1.

Smart buys: Warriors pair Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin would be shrewd buys at the right price for the Bears. Harris-Tavita usurped Martin as the halves partner for Luke Metcalf last season, but it remains to be seen if he is in their long-term plans. He will be 28 in 2027 and as a current international star for Samoa, he still has his best years ahead of him and he can also cover dummy-half and halfback. Martin will be 32 in 2027 and could be looking for one last payday before he hangs up the boots, so it could be a mutually beneficial situation for the Bears and the veteran playmaker. Dolphins star Kodi Nikorima would also be a shrewd investment, given he is set to be forced out of Redcliffe when George Williams joins to partner Isaiya Katoa in the halves. Nikorima will be 33 in 2027, but with over 200 games of NRL experience and the versatility to cover dummy-half and both halves positions, he would be an ideal fit for the Bears.

HALFBACK

Potential targets: Coby Black, Tanah Boyd, Jake Clifford, Tom Duffy, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Zac Herdegen, Lachlan Ilias, Kodi Nikorima, Niwhai Puru, Adam Reynolds, Brad Schneider, Ronald Volkman, Tyran Wishart

Elite targets: Adam Reynolds’ comments set off alarm bells in Western Australia. The veteran halfback was originally expected to hang up the boots when his current contract, which expires at the end of 2026, runs out. However, there’s a very real possibility he will play on, and his future at the Broncos is murky. Young gun Jonah Pezet is set to land in Red Hill, and it remains to be seen if Brisbane powerbrokers will be willing to extend Reynolds, considering the rising star was signed to be the heir to his throne. “I still haven’t come to terms or come to an agreement where I am going to finish up, I don’t know,” Reynolds said to Fox Sports News. “If I am playing good football next year and I’m fit and healthy and enjoying myself, I don’t see a reason to end that.” So, should Reynolds harbour a desire to play on, the Bears could make a play for his services for their debut campaign, with the 35-year-old also signed on to mentor the club’s next wave of playmakers, meaning they can target rising stars to plan for the future. The biggest barrier: Reynolds is settled in Brisbane and intends to remain there with his family post-career. Outside of Reynolds, Tyran Wishart shapes as a strong option and he has proven himself as a player on the rise at the Storm. The 25-year-old is set to hit the open market, with Melbourne bosses taking up their club option last year for the 2026 season. Wishart has well and truly been a Mr Fix It, but has arguably played his best football in the halves and would be a quality signing.

Smart buys: As aforementioned, should the Bears attempt to land Reynolds, recruiting a handful of young playmakers would be a smart option. Even if he doesn’t sign, that would set the club up for the future, as did the signing of Isaiya Katoa for the Dolphins. With Jonah Pezet arriving at the Broncos, it looks likely one of Coby Black or Tom Duffy will be looking for the exit to seek regular first grade minutes. Pezet and Ezra Mam could have a lock on Brisbane’s No.6 and No.7 for the foreseeable future, blocking the path for Black or Duffy to feature and develop. Black specifically, at only 19, has been a player touted for a big future but is yet to make his NRL debut. Jake Clifford could be another option and he was in solid form for the Cowboys to close out the season in 2025, being a player who is unlikely to break the bank.

PROP

Potential targets: Bunty Afoa, Paul Bryan, Jake Clydsdale, Jesse Colquhoun, Harrison Edwards, Sione Fainu, Emre Guler, Payne Haas, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Liam Henry, Samuel Hughes, Jaiyden Hunt, Ryan Jackson, Jaimin Jolliffe, Tui Kamikamica, Sean Keppie, Kaiden Lahrs, Simione Laiafi, Blake Lawrie, Matthew Lodge, Ata Mariota, Sam McIntyre, Francis Molo, Michael Molo, Griffin Neame, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Toby Rudolf, Lindsay Smith, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Xavier Va’a

Elite targets: Broncos star Payne Haas is the first player the Bears should sign and they should throw a massive whack of their salary cap to get the best forward and arguably best player in the game. Haas is a superstar and the ultimate professional, who would drive standards on and off the field. He also has a number of dependent siblings and will want to make the most money he can to set them up in the future with both parents in jail. Haas said how important a premiership win was to him and if he wins a couple in a row at the Broncos, that might be enough for him to ride off into the sunset in the West with the biggest payday in NRL history — around the $2 million per season mark. Kangaroos prop Lindsay Smith is another elite option, given he has played for Australia, won premierships with the Panthers and is tipped to debut for the Blues next season. Smith is reportedly set to test his value on the open market come November 1 and the Bears could offer him a load more than the Panthers amid salary cap pressure.

Smart buys: Smith’s Panthers teammate Liam Henry is also set to test his value on the open market amid Penrith’s salary cap squeeze and would be a good pick-up by the Bears, given he has most of his career ahead of him. Henry will be 26 in 2027 and another season with Penrith will see him get even better by the time he dons the Red and Black. Versatile Sharks star Jesse Colquhoun is another option with tremendous upside, given he can cover front row and back row with ease. The Sharks are unlikely to want to let him leave, but Colquhoun will be 26 in 2027 and could command a lot more money from the Bears than perhaps the Sharks can afford. Colquhoun’s Sharks teammate Toby Rudolf would be another savvy investment, given he will be 31 in 2027 and looking for a big payday before hanging up the boots in the coming seasons. Rudolf is also a great character and would be ideal for building team culture and camaraderie at a new club. Cowboys enforcer Griffin Neame would be another shrewd option, given he will be 26 in 2027 and has nearly 100 games of NRL experience under his belt already. Neame is exactly the type of hard-nosed tough forward the Bears need to compete in the NRL from day one. Raiders star Ata Mariota is another option given he will be just 25 in 2027 and could be a cornerstone of the Bears pack for the next five to eight years. Mariota was huge for the Raiders in 2025 playing 26 games on their charge to the minor premiership and while they won’t want to let him go, the Bears might have an offer to good to refuse.

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HOOKER

Potential targets: Jayden Berrell, Damien Cook, Lachlan Croker, Harry Grant, Tristan Hope, Jamie Humphreys, Freddy Lussick, Zaidas Muagututia, Cory Paix, Jake Simpkin, Sam Verrills, Billy Walters

Elite targets: Apart from Payne Haas, Harry Grant is the one player the Bears should throw everything but the kitchen sink at to convince him to come to their club. Grant is not only the best hooker in the game, but is one of the best players and with dummy-half being such a crucial position in modern rugby league, it is the best place to start when building a team from scratch. Grant will be 29 by the time the Bears play their first game and while it is hard to see him leaving the Storm, money talks. Grant is a Maroons and Kangaroos star and his leadership qualities would be ideal to lead the Bears into their new era in the West.

Smart buys: Billy Walters will be 33 by the time the Bears kick off their first game, but he will still have plenty of good footy in him and after being a late bloomer, will want a big payday at the back end of his career. Walters’ versatility will also see him cover hooker and the halves, which is a huge bonus for Mal Meninga. Walters’ Broncos teammate Cory Paix is another shrewd option, given he is a premiership winner, but unlikely to be in Brisbane long-term. With Blake Mozer set to take over at No.9 when Ben Hunt retires, Paix could get a fresh start at hooker for the Bears and he will still be just 27 in 2027. Paix has slick service and his strong defence would make him a solid investment at the right price. Titans hooker Sam Verrills hasn’t quite reached the heights of his title win with the Roosters on the Gold Coast, but historically few players go to the glitter strip and get better. Verrills turns 28 in 2027 and could relish the opportunity to start again with the Bears and realise his enormous potential from a young age. Souths halfback Jamie Humphreys, who has been earmarked as a potential hooker could be another option if Souths don’t see him as their long-term No.7.

SECOND ROW

Potential targets: John Bateman, Shawn Blore, Billy Burns, Thomas Cant, Kurt Capewell, Angus Crichton, Matt Doorey, Beau Fermor, David Fifita, Tyson Frizell, Luke Garner, Mavrik Geyer, Jack Gosiewski, Charlie Guymer, Corey Harawira-Naera, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Brodie Jones, Oryn Keeley, Viliame Kikau, Mason Kira, Keaon Koloamatangi, Karl Lawton, Luciano Leilua, Connelly Lemuelu, Zyon Maiu’u, Toni Mataele, Ryan Matterson, Max McCarthy, Marata Niukore, Kai O’Donnell, Joe Roddy, Scott Sorensen, Tony Sukkar, Lewis Symonds, Siosifa Talakai, Kelma Tuilagi, James Walsh, Siua Wong

Elite targets: The cream of the crop when it comes to second-rowers available to the Bears in 2025 are undoubtedly Bulldogs enforcer Viliame Kikau and Souths counterpart Keaon Koloamatangi. Kikau is reportedly in talks with the Bulldogs over an extension, but the Bears could trump that offer and as he will be 32 in 2027, he still has some good footy left in him. Kikau is the type of highlight reel X-factor player that can get fans on board with the new franchise in the west. Koloamatangi recently debuted for the Kangaroos and would be a massive get, given he can cover back row and prop where he has played under Wayne Bennett in 2025. He will be 29 in 2027 and will still have plenty of good footy ahead of him. Roosters star Angus Crichton is another player the Bears should go hard at, given he is a representative star and he has been linked with a switch to rugby union amid salary cap pressures at the Chooks. Crichton doesn’t want to play against the Roosters, but if the money and opportunity is right, he could reunite with his old Kangaroos coach Meninga at the Bears, and he will still be 31 in 2027.

Smart buys: Panthers’ workhorse Scott Sorensen and Warriors’ counterpart Kurt Capewell are getting close to the end of their careers, but they are the exact type of hard-nosed forwards the Bears will need to hit the ground running. Both will be 34 in 2027, but their toughness and versatility can serve the Bears well in their first couple of seasons and they can also mentor the next wave of exciting youngsters at the club having played at successful clubs all their careers and won premierships. Roosters young gun Siu Wong and Sharks star Siosifa Talakai would also be astute signings with a lot of upside. Wong can cover back row and prop and is still at the start of his career, while Talakai can cover the centres and back row and is the type of X-factor player that puts bums on seats. Sharks’ late bloomer Billy Burns would be a shrewd signing given they wouldn’t have to pay overs for the tireless workhorse, who is starting to realise his potential in the NRL and he is still just 28 in 2027.

LOCK

Potential targets: Nathan Brown, Josh Curran, Matthew Eisenhuth, Lipoi Hopoi, Blake Hosking, Kit Laulilii, Liam Le Blanc, Kurt Mann, Cameron McInnes, Hohepa Puru, Hame Sele, Morgan Smithies, Blake Steep, Ray Stone, Jack Todd, Jake Trbojevic, Dylan Walker

Elite targets: Lock is a massive position to get right given they will be a centre point of the Bears’ defence and attack around the ruck in their inaugural season. Of the elite options coming off-contract in 2026, the best player is arguably Jake Trbojevic, but he is expected to retire if he doesn’t sign an extension with Manly after repeated head knocks last season. The next best options are arguably Kurt Mann from the Bulldogs and Dylan Walker from the Eels. Mann was credited by Cameron Ciraldo as the key player that helped turn around the Bulldogs’ culture in their charge up the ladder and back into contention. However, he will be 34 by the time the Bears kick off their first season in 2027, so he would have to be a short-term option. Walker will be 32 in 2027 and is a great option given his versatility and ball playing ability to cover multiple positions in lock, hooker and the halves. However, the best options would arguably be Sharks skipper Cameron McInnes and Raiders back-rower Morgan Smithies. McInnes will be 33 in 2027, but he is the exact type of player the Bears will want to build their team and ethos around given his work ethic and selfless attitude and he is always willing to do the dirty work. McInnes can also cover hooker with ease after starting his career at dummy-half and he would be a great option as captain given his leadership credentials. Smithies is a lot younger at 26 in 2027 and could be the Bears’ lock for the next five years at least. He is an England international and the type of hard-nosed enforcer the Bears will want in their inaugural pack.

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