In a landmark week for the Perth Bears, the club has officially locked in its starting line-up for their historic debut NRL season in 2027. Their 13th confirmed signing, promising winger Luke Laulilii, has joined the fold on a two-year contract, further solidifying the club’s aspirations to hit the ground running in their inaugural campaign.
At just 19 years of age, Laulilii is the youngest recruit on the Bears’ roster to date, but his resume already reads like that of a player with years of top-flight experience. Having scored four tries in nine appearances for the Wests Tigers since making his NRL debut in 2024, Laulilii has shown the speed, finishing instinct, and poise under pressure that earmark him as a genuine game-breaker.
“The Perth Bears provide an opportunity for me to continue to develop my game and take it to the next level,” said Laulilii.
“I’m excited about the prospect of playing in front of the fans in Perth.
I know how much they love their sport and it’s a privilege to be a part of a rugby league team that represents the people of Western Australia.”
A Monumental Week of Recruitment for the Bears
Laulilii’s signing caps off what club officials are calling a "monumental week" in Perth’s recruitment drive. The club had earlier secured deals with a mix of experienced and rising NRL talent, including Melbourne Storm duo Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney, along with James McDonnell and Chris Vea’ila, signaling a serious intent to field a competitive team from day one.
“Luke is a very talented and athletic outside back who will provide us plenty of options,” said Head Coach Mal Meninga.
“He is a fantastic finisher and strong defender. I’m sure he will continue to develop this season and look forward to welcoming him and his family over to WA.”
Meninga, a rugby league immortal and one of the most respected figures in the game, brings with him an authoritative voice and clear vision for what he wants the Bears to become. He’s been building a squad that balances youth and experience, versatility and structure.
Youth with Leadership Credentials
Laulilii isn’t just a young speedster—he’s already shown leadership qualities, having captained the Wests Tigers’ Harold Matthews Cup side back in 2023. That grounding in responsibility and tactical awareness bodes well for a Bears side that will likely rely heavily on collective effort and cohesion in its early seasons.
“Luke is an exciting prospect, and we are very happy to have secured him for the next two seasons,” said Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe.
“We remain very active in the recruitment space and I’m confident we will have some further announcements in the coming weeks.”
The Bears’ Starting 13 Begins to Take Shape
With Laulilii’s arrival, the Bears now have a near-complete spine and an exciting group of players to form their inaugural 2027 squad. Below is the current best projected starting side, as revealed by the club:
Perth Bears Best Starting Side (as of January 2026)
Nick Meaney
Luke Laulilii
Sean Russell
Harry Newman
TBC
TBC
Toby Sexton
Liam Henry
Tyran Wishart
Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui
Luke Smith
James McDonnell
Josh Curran
Emarly Bitungane
Although the halves pairing remains unsettled, names like Toby Sexton and Tyran Wishart offer flexibility and depth. The addition of dynamic outside backs such as Laulilii and Russell provides the team with strong attacking threats on both edges.
What Laulilii Brings to the Bears
Laulilii is known for his acceleration, agility, and ability to finish from almost anywhere on the park. His strength as a defender also adds a layer of reliability that will be crucial for a new franchise still working on building defensive cohesion.
At the Wests Tigers, he made an immediate impression, particularly during the 2025 season where he managed two tries in just four games. Though still raw, his maturity beyond his years and hunger for development have been highlighted by both his former and new coaches.
A League-Wide Recruitment Race
With the NRL’s newest team making waves in the market, clubs across the competition are beginning to feel the heat. Perth’s aggressive approach to securing young, high-potential players like Laulilii reflects the club’s long-term ambition: not just to compete, but to contend.
Their recent moves echo the sentiments of Bears leadership and coach Meninga, who has consistently emphasized building a club culture rooted in professionalism, community, and performance.
Latest NRL Round Highlights
As the 2026 NRL season kicks into gear, several key results have already lit up the leaderboard:
Raiders 30 defeated Warriors 8
Panthers 28 edged out Sharks 22
Broncos 50 overpowered Roosters 14
Knights 10 edged Tigers 8, in a tight contest
Rabbitohs 16 held off Dolphins 14
Bulldogs 28 upset Dragons 20
Sea Eagles 42 dominated Cowboys 12
Storm 56 dismantled Eels 18
These early-round matchups reflect the ever-evolving landscape of the NRL, one that the Bears will soon step into with high hopes and a well-structured squad.
Looking Ahead
With several spots still to be filled and more signings anticipated, the Perth Bears are clearly a club on the rise. Their recruitment strategy under the stewardship of Meninga and Sharpe is making headlines, and the addition of players like Luke Laulilii is only fanning the flames of excitement among Western Australian fans.
Perth has long been considered fertile ground for rugby league expansion, and with passionate support, smart leadership, and promising talent, the Bears may yet become one of the most compelling stories in the modern NRL era.
