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.

8. Jacob Liddle (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Liddle may have been relegated to a bench role at the Red V this year following the acquisition of Damien Cook, but if anything, his performances have gotten better.

It's a role that seems to suit Liddle, a hooker who plays his game with plenty of spark in the prime of his career.

He has handled himself as a start in the NRL too though, almost being part of an under tipped Dragons side who missed the finals by a matter of a couple of points last year.

Good dummy halves are tough to find in this competition, and Liddle should be on the radar for the Bears.