With the benefit of hindsight, it wasn’t the worst roster.
When the Western Reds kicked off their inaugural campaign in the newly expanded Australian Rugby League competition in 1995, there was no lack of talent in the hands of their foundation coach, the late Peter Mulholland.
His squad featured former Kangaroos in Mark Geyer and Brad Mackay, as well as two front-rowers who would wear the green and gold in Rodney Howe and Robbie Kearns.
Calling the shots at half was former Dally M rookie of the year Matthew Rodwell, while two-time Dally M medallist Mick Potter was the fullback.
Throw in English international Barrie-Jon Mather, ex-all Black Craig Innes and a host of seasoned first-graders including James Grant, Peter Shiels, Matt Fuller, David Boyd, Jeff Doyle and Dale Fritz, and the Reds had a competitive squad.
Yet despite winning their debut game 28-16 against St George in front of a jubilant WACA crowd of 24,932 – and racking up 11 victories from 22 games in that first season – barely two years later, the Reds were defunct, cast aside as part of post-Super League rationalisation.
WA Premier Roger Cook drove a hard bargain in his dealing with the NRL.Credit: Trevor Collens
Thirty years on, the powers-that-be in charge of the Western Bears franchise, which is set to enter the NRL premiership in 2027, should heed the lessons of history.
A half-decent squad won’t be good enough. They’ll need to capture the imagination of locals from the get-go in a state dominated by AFL teams Fremantle and West Coast.
That leaves the competition newcomers with about 18 months to squeeze 30 players into a $12.1 million salary cap.
That’s great news for off-contract players and their agents, but not so good for established clubs hoping to retain talent without breaking the bank.
So, how exactly will the Bears’ arrival impact your team?
Broncos
Payne Haas is off contract at the end of next season and could write his own cheque if he decided to head west. The NSW and Kangaroos prop has been compared to Glenn Lazarus, who famously helped win premierships after being recruited by Brisbane and Melbourne. Other Broncos who are up for grabs and might attract attention are try poacher Jesse Arthars, Ben Te Kura and Billy Walters.
Bulldogs
Viliame Kikau shapes as a likely target for the Perth Bears.Credit: NRL Imagery
Big Viliame Kikau would be just the type of player the Bears need to put bums on seats. Teammates Reed Mahoney, Josh Curran and Sam Hughes are also free agents at the end of 2026
Cowboys
There’s not much top-end talent available in the tropical north. Representative winger Murray Taulagi is off contract at the end of next season, along with lesser lights Sam McIntyre, Jaxson Paulo and Karl Lawton. English veteran Jon Bateman could also be an option, although he will turn 34 during Perth’s first season.
Dolphins
The boot is on the other foot for the Dolphins, who three years ago were in Perth’s position, trying to recruit a squad from scratch. They managed to sign some quality players, headed by Jesse Bromwich, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Isaiya Katoa, but marquee names such as Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga proved elusive. Now the Dolphins need to be wary of the newbies, who will presumably be interested in Herbie Farnworth, Jake Averillo and Jamayne Isaako.
Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth.Credit: NRL Photos
Dragons
The Dragons have a host of players coming out of contract at the end of next year, including Blake Lawrie, Lachlan Ilias, Luciano Leilua, Jayden Su’A, Damien Cook and Tyrell Sloan. Sloan might be interested in a move, given that his hopes of playing fullback have run into a roadblock in the shape of Clint Gutherson.
Eels
Given their form this season, Parramatta might not be the smartest place for the Bears to go shopping. Ignoring the points table, there are still a number of Eels who could attract Perth’s attention. Junior Paulo, Josh Addo-Carr, Will Penisini, Brendan Hands, Ryan Matterson, Dylan Walker and Shane Lane will all be off contract unless they sign new deals beforehand.
Knights
Skipper Kalyn Ponga is contracted to Newcastle until the end of 2027, so is unlikely to be an option for the Bears. Winger Greg Marzhew is perhaps the pick of their free agents. Tyson Frizell will be 36 by the time the Bears start, while Tyson Gamble, Jack Cogger, Brodie Jones and Thomas Cant could help make up the numbers. Rookie hooker Matt Arthur could also be a target if, as expected, his father Brad is hired to coach Perth.
Panthers
Lindsay Smith’s contract with Penrith expires at the end of next season.Credit: NRL Photos
Forget about big guns Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota and Izack Tago. They’re all locked up long term. Lindsay Smith, Luke Garner, Liam Henry and Jack Cole all fall off contract in time to be on Perth’s radar.
Rabbitohs
Jamie Humphreys and Jye Gray could be just the type of players Perth look to recruit. They’re young, on the way up and are modestly paid by NRL standards. Other Bunnies off contract at the end of next season include Keaon Koloamatangi, Sean Keppie, Lachlan Hubner and Liam Le Blanc.
Raiders
The Raiders have strategically locked up most of their main men until 2027. If the Bears are interested, forwards Morgan Smithies, Ata Mariota and Zac Hosking are off contract next year.
Roosters
The Bears would be mad not to go after Angus Crichton, who is arguably the best back-rower in the NRL and will be 31 when 2027 season kicks off. Another huge name who could potentially be available is Roosters skipper James Tedesco. “Teddy” will be 34 in 2027, but he’s still a class act and would be an ideal leader for a new franchise. Other off-contract Chooks include Daniel Tupou, Blake Steep, Sandon Smith, Mark Nawaqanitawase and rookie halfback Hugo Savala.
Sea Eagles
It’s highly unlikely, given they are Manly through-and-through, but Tom and Jake Trbojevic are both off contract at the end of next season and could become available. What a coup that would be for the Bears. Realistically, however, the likes of Reuben Garrick, Nathan Brown and Lachlan Croker are likely to be of more interest. Back-up half Jake Arthur could also head west to link with his dad.
Sharks
Cronulla skipper Cam McInnes will be 33 by the time Perth launches but still shapes as the sort of tough, hard-working player on whom successful teams are built. Other Cronulla players coming out of contract next year include Blayke Brailey, Jesse Ramien, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talaki, Toby Rudolph and Tuku Hau Tupuha. All would be handy acquisitions for a start-up team.
Storm
If there is any side likely to be targeted by Perth, it’s Melbourne. Three of the Storm’s most influential players – Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen – are all free agents at the end of 2026 and will presumably be inundated with offers. Throw in Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Will Warbrick, Shawn Blore and Tyran Wishart, and Melbourne face some big decisions.
Melbourne Storm trio Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates and Harry Grant are all free agents at the end of next season.Credit: Melbourne Storm
Titans
Can the Bears get the best out of David Fifita? If they can, what a drawcard he would be. Jayden Campbell, Beau Fermor, Brian Kelly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Sam Verrills, Keano Kini and Jaimin Jolliffe are also possible candidates for Perth overtures.
Tigers
It sounds insane, but could Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin pair up as Perth’s inaugural halves? Both are contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2026, and Galvin has been widely tipped to join Parramatta. It’s paying about $101, but stranger things have happened. Other Tigers who could be up for grabs include Api Koroisau, Tallyn Da Silva, Starford To’a, Sione Fainu, Jack Bird and Jeral Skelton.
Warriors
They’re starting to form a nice partnership across the ditch, but what if the Bears swooped on Warriors halves Chanel Harris-Tevita and Luke Metcalf? That would solve their play-making puzzle in one go. Meanwhile, Marata Niukore and Kurt Capewell could provide some muscle for the pack, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is proven quality, even in the twilight of his career. Young tyros Leka Halasima and Taine Tuaupiki might also find themselves tempted by offers that are too good to refuse.
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