LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Perth Bears' recruitment head, Dane Campbell, has shared his strategy for player signings, aiming for ten new additions to be completed by Christmas.
Starting from November 1, the Bears will engage in the free agency market with a complete salary cap and an empty 30-man roster. This effort is critical as they prepare to establish their first squad before 2027, when they will officially join the NRL as the 18th team.
A number of players are set to become free agents in November, especially Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. Although he has unaccepted player options with Gold Coast, he is expected to be a top target for the Bears.
Additionally, Cameron Munster is on the club's radar, as the Melbourne Storm may be willing to allow the Queensland State of Origin captain to leave.
While there are several other players the Bears are considering at lower price points, Campbell expressed to The Sydney Morning Herald that there's no rush to complete all 30 signings immediately.
"It's certainly a unique (challenge)," Campbell remarked in his conversation with the outlet.
"We are mindful we don't have to have a roster of 30 done by Christmas time this year … If we've got 10 players signed by Christmas, we've done incredibly well. The rest can be built out by next year."