LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Mal Meninga is reportedly set to bring Ezra Howe, the long-time recruitment manager from the Gold Coast Titans, to the Perth Bears.
This pivotal move could facilitate efforts to recruit star forwards Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita.
The Titans confirmed Howe's departure on Wednesday, stating: "The Titans can confirm that long-term recruitment manager Ezra Howe has finished in the role he's held for the past seven seasons." Howe has been instrumental in convincing both forwards to join the Titans during his tenure, and his new role in Perth aligns with the Bears' anticipated entry into the NRL in 2027.
Howe, who has been a significant contributor since joining the Titans in 2019, also played a key role in developing the club's junior elite pathways programs.
The Titans further wished him well, indicating that his replacement would be announced soon.
With Howe's recruitment acumen, the Bears could gain a substantial edge in attracting both Fa'asuamaleaui and Fifita, as they are both off-contract at the end of 2026.
In addition to Howe, Meninga's coaching and recruitment strategy for the Bears is taking shape with the recent signing of Ben Gardiner as his assistant coach.
Gardiner, currently the head coach of Samoa and serving under Ivan Cleary at Penrith, has a wealth of experience, having been part of the Panthers' premiership-winning teams in 2023 and 2024.