The Perth Bears are set to enter the NRL in 2027, and will be able to attack the open market from November 1 this year as they attempt to lure players across the country.
Given the trouble the Dolphins had in doing the same to a rugby league hot spot on the north side of Brisbane, the Bears could well face untold issues in attempting to attract talent as they prepare to become the 18th NRL team.
Last week, my colleague Dan Nichols ran the rule over the five marquee players the Bears should target for their entry into the competition.
But every team needs players who aren't marquees to make the salary cap work, and to make the team into something.
Running the rule over the list of players currently off-contract at the end of 2026, here are the ten players (in no particular order) the Bears must target as they aim to build a competitive squad from the word go.
2. Josh Curran (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Curran brings with him raw ability to perform as both a middle and edge forward, and he has been one of the best buys for the Bulldogs as part of their surge from obscurity to a team in finals contention.
Off-contract at the end of 2026, if he is still on the open market come November 1, he should be one of the first players attacked by the Bears.
It would hardly come as a surprise if they were the only club not named the Bulldogs chasing the forward, who at one stage earlier in his career was in the Origin discussion.
How far away he is from that now is up for dispute, but his performances certainly make him the sort of player plenty of clubs would love to have as part of their roster.
