The Perth Bears have officially signed English international forward Morgan Smithies from the Canberra Raiders.
This addition brings the number of British players in the Bears' roster up to four, as the 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the potential for an extra two years.
Smithies first gained recognition in the Super League with Wigan, where he played 105 matches before relocating to Canberra in 2024.
With 67 games of NRL experience under his belt, he has demonstrated his ability to thrive in the top-tier rugby league.
Smithies stated that the opportunity to be part of the Bears' history was a significant factor in his move to Western Australia.
"The opportunity to make history and be a part of the Perth Bears was too good to refuse," Smithies said in a Bears statement.
"It will be great to reconnect with a few of the lads from back home in Perth. Mal and his staff have assembled a very strong roster, and it's an honour to be a part of it.
"This is a new chapter for my family as well. We are committed to the Perth Bears, and it's an exciting opportunity to build the life in Western Australia."
Joining Smithies in the Bears lineup are fellow English Test players Harry Newman, James McDonnell, and Mikolaj Oledzki, all of whom will wear Bears colors in 2027.