The Perth Bears’ “Blitz of Britain” has continued with Test forward Morgan Smithies becoming the fourth English star to join the club for their historic debut season in 2027.
The 25-year-old, who currently plays for the Canberra Raiders, has signed a three-year deal with an option for an extra two seasons.
He will join Harry Newman, James McDonnell and Mikolaj Oledzki as England Test players who have committed to the Bears.
Smithies played 105 Super League games for Wigan before joining the Canberra Raiders in 2024.
The barnstorming forward has been a mainstay for the Raiders in recent years amassing 67 First Grade games.
“The opportunity to make history and be a part of the Perth Bears was too good to refuse,” Smithies said.
“It will be great to reconnect with a few of the lads from back home in Perth. Mal and his staff have assembled a very strong roster and it’s an honour to be a part of it.
“This is a new chapter for my family as well. We are committed to the Perth Bears and it’s an exciting opportunity to build our life in Western Australia.”
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said Smithies’ experience and energy will be invaluable as the Bears countdown to November 1 when their squad will assemble.
“Morgan is a fantastic person who has succeeded at just about every level of the game,” he said.
“He’s only 25 years-old and has played nearly 200 games across Super League and the NRL.
“He brings big game experience, a fantastic work ethic and, most important of all, is a selfless teammate.
“I’m delighted Morgan and his family believe in what we are creating in Perth and I have no doubt he will be a big part of this club for many years to come.”
Today’s announcement kicks off a big few days for the Bears with the inaugural home jersey set to be unveiled on Friday.
The first-ever community “Bear Walk” will also occur on Saturday in the lead up to the Melbourne Storm match against the Manly Sea Eagles at HBF Park in Perth. It is the final NRL match at the venue before it becomes the Bears’ home ground next year.
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said the club was very confident it was building a squad that would be competitive in 2027 and make both Western Australia and North Sydney proud.
“The entire football department has done an incredible job in building our inaugural roster,” De Ceglie said.
“We have Test representatives from Australia, New Zealand, England, Tonga and Fiji as well as State of Origin players and Premiership winners.
“The players and our fans believe in what we are building in Western Australia and that hype and expectation is only going to intensify on Friday when we unveil our first-ever jersey.
“This is a historic time for our club. We’re all so proud to be a part of it.”
