Another NRL team has reportedly entered the race to sign Sydney Roosters halfback Hugo Savala after he confirmed that he will be testing his value on the open market following the signing of Daly Cherry-Evans.
After a breakout campaign during the 2025 NRL season, which saw him overtake Chad Townsend and Sandon Smith in the pecking order, Savala went from a relative unknown to one of the best young playmakers in the 13-man code.
Debuting in Round 2, the Scots College product produced 32 points, ten try assists, two line-break assists and forced three drop-outs in 21 appearances, which saw him create a great halves combination with Sam Walker.
However, the arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans from the Manly Sea Eagles has put his future in limbo and clouded it in uncertainty.
This saw him confirm earlier this month that he will test the open market and will negotiate with rival teams as he looks to cement a long-term deal.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Perth Bears have become the latest club to enter the race for Savala as they prepare to build their inaugural roster.
This comes after the 23-year-old has found himself linked to the North Queensland Cowboys, who have been in the market for a playmaker, while the Canberra Raiders have already ruled out a move for his services.
Yet to confirm any signings at the time of publication, the Bears have reportedly signed winger Hendrix Tapiki from the Minchinbury Jets in the Don Feltis Cup competition, whilst Papua New Guinea international Judah Rimbu has agreed to a train-and-trial contract.
“There is no pressure on us to sign anyone before Christmas, or even into the New Year," coach Mal Meninga told News Corp.
"We're taking our time. We will be patient, won't be pressured and don't want to put any players under pressure publicly.
“We want to make sure that when we do approach someone then we make it very difficult for them to turn us down. We've been busy but it's only been a couple of weeks since we started on the trail.
“We have been talking to a lot of players and player managers and we're happy with the people we've been talking to. How long it takes to sign players doesn't particularly worry me to be honest.”
