Perth land a halfback and centre as first two signings
Scott Bailey |
Perth are officially on the board after coach Mal Meninga declared Toby Sexton and Englishman Harry Newman the right men to be the club’s trailblazing first signings.
The Bears confirmed Sexton and Newman as the club’s maiden signings on Tuesday, with Sexton the frontrunner to be Perth’s first halfback.
Newman’s move to the NRL will offer him a chance in the Bears’ backline, with the Leeds Rhinos centre having played seven Tests for England.
“Both players have all the attributes and qualities I’m looking for when building out our roster,” Meninga said.
“Toby is proven leader who works hard to make his teammates better.
“He is a quality person who I know will make the most of the opportunity to be a trailblazer for the Perth Bears.
“Harry is a Test player who has been a part of the successful Leeds Rhinos system for several years.
“He has the skillset and experience to make an immediate impact in the NRL, and I’m really excited to see what he can do when he gets here in 2027.”
The Bears have made several plays in the market ahead of their 2027 entry, with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui still one of the club’s priority targets.
Keaon Koloamatangi is understood to have caught their eye, while Melbourne utility Tyran Wishart is also expected to meet with the club.
Perth have missed out on Gold Coast duo Jayden Campbell and Beau Fermor, while the likes of Herbie Farnworth, Harry Grant and Josh Addo-Carr have been taken off the market.
Ryan Papenhuyzen could potentially loom as a big-name option with R360’s 2026 launch now abandoned.
The fullback had wanted time away to consider his future in professional sport when released by Melbourne in October, and has not yet informed the market if he is now available.
Sexton, meanwhile, will see out 2026 at Catalans after his high-profile Canterbury exit at the end of last season.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Perth Bears roster,” Sexton said in a statement.
“To be one of the Bears’ first signings is something I’m grateful for. I’m excited for the opportunity and honoured to represent the people of Western Australia”.
Newman has scored 46 tries in 129 games for Leeds since debuting as a 17-year-old in 2017.
“It’s always been my ambition to test myself in the NRL and I’m delighted to have the chance to do it with the Perth Bears,” he said.
“It’s a huge honour to be one of the Bears’ first signings and help create a legacy for Rugby League in Western Australia”.
AAP
