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Should the Bears be worried by their lack of signings?
Nicholas Quinlan • November 25th, 2025 8:34 pm
Corey Parker has admitted to being somewhat confused by the lack of official signings made by the Perth Bears.
In the three and a half weeks since November 1, the NRL’s 18th side has reportedly signed one player for their NRL squad, with Englishman Harry Newman from the Leeds Rhinos set to join.
This is despite being connected to various players who are coming off contract either next year or in 2027, such as Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Scott Drinkwater, and Nick Meaney.
While coach Mal Meninga has already said that the club is planning on taking its time when it comes to signing players to the club, this has led Parker to be concerned after having had chats with Meninga in private about who the Bears are trying to sign.
“They’ve obviously had the signing of the Englishman (Harry Newman), but they haven’t announced any big-time signings,” he said on SENQ Breakfast.
“Still fascinating to see that still don’t have anyone, and Mal did say that well, ‘Look, we may make some decisions after Christmas’.
“Now, privately having had chats with Mal, it is my understanding that they’ve got a fair few people on their books or verbally ready to go.
“I don’t know really why there has been a holdout in regard to why they haven’t had anyone announced.”
The 347-game player for the Broncos would then go on to name some of the other players that the Bears could have a look at signing, believing that former Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen could be a possible signing.
“Well, Ryan Papenhuyzen, who stepped away from Melbourne, we don’t know what’s going on with him,” he continued.
“Whether he’s doing a year off, which I highly doubt. Nick Meaney has been linked with the Perth Bears.
“And another name that has been linked that has just come to light is Scott Drinkwater up there with the Cowboys, who’s taking up a fair chunk of their salary cap. It looks like he could be on the open market.
“So, a lot to unfold in the next six months in that regard.”
The Bears will not officially enter the NRL until 2027.
