The Perth Bears have landed the prized signature of one of the most exciting prospects in rugby league with confirmation Mason Barber will join the club on a three-year deal to start in 2027.
The 20-year-old represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2024 and is a graduate of the prestigious Keebra Park State High School.
Hailing from the Northend region in New Zealand, Barber joins the Bears from the North Queensland Cowboys system where he has played 10 games for the Mackay Cutters this year for 36 tackle breaks, six try assists and is averaging 119m per game.
The fullback/centre possesses blistering speed, strength and the ball playing ability that Head Coach Mal Meninga believes will make an immediate impact for the Perth Bears next season and beyond.
“Mason is a sublimely talented player who has been on our radar for a long time now,” he said.
“He has the skill and character to make an impact for us right away while also becoming a cornerstone for the club for years to come.
“We have been deliberate in recruiting young players from good systems who we believe can become long-term first grade players.
“Mason fits that mould perfectly and I look forward to welcoming him and his family over to Western Australia.”
Barber will join fellow youngster Apa Twidle in the Bears system next year with more announcements expected over the coming weeks.
“The opportunity to continue my career in Western Australia with the Perth Bears was too good to refuse,” Barber said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my development under Mal and his staff and believe the Bears can provide me with that opportunity.
“I believe in the club’s vision for the future and am excited to be a part of it.”
Perth Bears CEO Anthony DeCeglie said the club was building a squad that would have sustainable success for many years to come.
“Other NRL clubs were heavily interested in Mason and I am delighted he has decided to make the move to Perth to be a part of the Bears inaugural squad,” he said.
“Mal and his staff have been adamant about building a roster that can compete from day one while also helping shape the future of the Bears for years to come.
“I think Mason is the perfect fit to achieve Mal’s vision on the field while also helping the Bears continue to promote and develop the game in Western Australia. And we’re confident of more announcements coming soon.
“We have already seen record levels of interest in membership, sponsorship and media and I’m confident Mason’s signature will only add another level of hype for the Bears.”
