The Perth Bears are preparing for their entry into the NRL in 2027, and the early recruitment picture shows some promise, but mostly urgency.

With 16 signings already secured, the club is laying foundations, but it is still without a true marquee name and lacks a clear veteran figure to lead its inaugural squad.

For a new franchise entering a rugby league landscape dominated in Western Australia by the AFL, the Bears' first year will be critical. 

Here are six players off contract at the end of 2026 who could elevate the Bears whilst helping shape their club's identity.

2027 NRL signing and best 19 tracker

4. Connor Tracey (Bulldogs)

Connor Tracey provides the Perth Bears with a composed and reliable option at fullback, bringing over 100 NRL appearances and a strong reputation for consistency and defensive execution.

Tracey is known for his attitude, discipline, and ability to execute his role under pressure, which would be particularly valuable for an expansion side building its systems and combinations from scratch.

He also offers useful versatility across the backline, but his strongest impact comes at fullback, where his positional awareness and safe hands help reduce errors and give the team a stable platform to build from. His presence would allow the Bears to structure their attacking edges with more confidence, knowing the last line of defence is dependable and well-drilled.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I suspect Kurt Mann and Damien Cook are just a year or two too old.
    Cobbo would be a classy pick up and at the same time a good long-term purchase.

    Connor Tracy was a utility at Cronulla, and is worth recruiting for his versatility, as well as his ability as a full-back.

    Current Cronulla fullback William Kennedy is at least as good as Tracy, and recruiting him as well as Tracy would would ensure quality depth in a spine position.