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.
5. Ray Stone (The Dolphins)
A foundation player for the Dolphins, Ray Stone might be exceptionally unheralded in the grand scheme of things, but there is little doubt his current team wouldn't be what they are without his influence.
His work rate off the bench is simply tremendous, and has gone to another level this year.
He has an excellent tackling technique, runs the ball hard and seemingly, has limitless energy. A real competitor who loves to win, he is the sort of player who the Bears could look to build culture around in their early seasons of existence, as the Dolphins have done to the north of Brisbane.
