The full NRL draw for 2027 is scheduled to be announced on Monday, November 16.
Perth Bears are tipped to host South Sydney in Round 1.
As the club's first players begin assembling for pre-season, Perth has appointed 60-year-old Queenslander Tony Rea as chief executive ahead of its NRL debut next year.
Rea replaces Anthony De Ceglie, who stepped aside in October amid reports of growing friction between senior club and board figures.
A first-grade hooker, Rea played 120 matches for North Sydney from 1988 to 1994, captaining the side for most of that period.
After retiring in 1996, he became London Broncos' chief executive for four seasons and coached the club in 191 matches across two stints.
Perth chairman Ben Morton said Rea had the leadership required for the club's next phase.
"We have successfully navigated the start-up phase and Tony brings the leadership needed for the build phase," Morton said.
Morton added: "Critically, Tony is a proven mentor who shares the commitment to growing rugby league across WA."
Rea said: "My job as CEO is not to do any one of those jobs - but rather to use that experience to lead the professional team together as one, committed to success."
He said the squad, assembled under Mal Meninga, needed every support to become the formidable team the club believes it can be.