LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Perth Bears' recruitment efforts have started more slowly than anticipated, but head coach Mal Meninga remains unconcerned.
Meninga has emphasized that the club's recruitment strategy is centered around assembling a strong spine as they prepare for their inaugural NRL season in 2027.
In a discussion on SEN WA Breakfast, he highlighted that bringing in quality players for key positions-hooker, halfback, five-eighth, and fullback-is crucial as they aim to complete a 36-man roster.
"There's a tendency, obviously, with what we call the spine, so, that's a nine (hooker), a seven (halfback), six (five-eighth) and one (fullback), we just got to make sure we've got quality people and players in those positions," he stated.
So far, the Bears have secured six players, including Harry Newman, Toby Sexton, Liam Henry, Emarly Bitungane, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, and Luke Smith. Meninga also noted the significance of developing a robust forward pack.
"They are really crucial to a rugby league team," Meninga said.
He added, "We believe that a prop like Liam Henry is really important for the team, and then we look at one, maybe two outside backs, plus one back-rower, a sort of 13 who's an 80-minute player."