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Super League sensation among Perth Bears' first signings
Charles Goodsir • December 2nd, 2025 11:41 am
The Perth Bears have announced their first two signings with former Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton and Super League sensation Harry Newman set to join the expansion club.
The Bears, who will join the NRL in 2027 as the competition’s 18th team, announced that the duo have agreed to two-year contracts.
Sexton debuted in 2021 with the Gold Coast Titans but the 24-year-old excelled at halfback for the Bulldogs and led them to top spot on the ladder during the 2025 season.
The arrival of Lachlan Galvin forced Sexton to pursue a deal with the Catalans Dragons in the Super League for the 2026 season.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Perth Bears roster (and) it’s something I’m grateful for,” Sexton said in a statement.
Newman made his Super League debut at 17 and has 135 Super League games already to his belt. The 25-year-old also featured in the recent Ashes series for England.
Perth Head coach Mal Meninga said in a statement that he is thrilled with the club’s first acquisitions.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Toby and Harry to the Perth Bears,” Meninga said.
“Both players have all the attributes and qualities I’m looking for when building our roster.
“Toby is a proven leader that works hard to make his teammates better. I know (he) will make the most off the opportunity to be a trailblazer for the Perth Bears.
“Harry is a Test player who has been a part of the successful Leeds Rhinos system for several years.
“He has the skillset and experience to make an immediate impact in the NRL.”
It has been an historic week for the NRL’s latest franchise as the Bears secured a four-year partnership with New Balance.
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the news of New Balance and the club’s first two signings is just the first step in many big announcements to come.
“We have already broken sponsorship records and continue to get interest from domestic and international brands,” De Ceglie said in a statement.
“We are hoping to make some further announcements over the coming weeks that will reaffirm my belief that the Perth Bears are the most exciting story in Australian sport.”
