LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Perth Bears are actively seeking players for the upcoming 2027 NRL season and have reportedly initiated talks with Beau Fermor, a second-rower for the Gold Coast Titans.
With a full roster of 30 players to assemble and a budget exceeding $12 million, the Bears are keen on building a competitive team.
Despite missing out on key players like Cameron Munster, who has committed to staying in Melbourne, and Luke Metcalf, who has renewed his contract with the New Zealand Warriors, the focus has shifted towards securing talent from the Gold Coast Titans.
The Bears have shown willingness to spend significantly, indicating they are prepared to offer up to $1.5 million per season to acquire Fermor's teammate Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. However, securing Fermor himself remains an attractive option for the expansion team.
As they begin negotiations with players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2026 season, reports from News Corp suggest that Fermor is a top target for the Bears and could be a feasible acquisition.
Interestingly, Fermor previously sought a release from the Titans in 2025. While it's uncertain if he still harbors the desire to leave, especially with the appointment of new coach Josh Hannay in place of Des Hasler, Fermor is expected to evaluate his options in free agency. Following his debut in the State of Origin in 2025, a pay increase seems likely, which could influence his decision-making moving forward.