The Perth Bears have secured another NRL star of the future with the signing of promising young hooker Asher Chapman.
The prodigiously talented 17-year-old from the Illawarra region of New South Wales has signed a three-year contract with the Bears.
Chapman, who currently plays for the Illawarra Steelers in the Harold Matthews Cup, has represented the under-16s City side as well as starring for the under-16s Waratahs and Australian Schoolboys rugby union teams — underlining a rare dual-code pedigree as he commits his future to rugby league.
Renowned for his hard edge, courage and well-rounded skill set around the ruck, Chapman has been identified by the Bears as a hooker ideally suited to the demands of the modern game.
Chapman will complete an NRL pre-season training block in Perth on a train-and-trial deal before returning to NSW in 2027 to play SG Ball with the North Sydney Bears.
He will then join the club’s Development Squad in 2028, and in 2029 he will progress to the Perth Bears’ Top 30 Squad.
The Kiama teenager is the latest addition to the Bears’ emerging spine group featuring Mason Barber and Jasais Ah Kee along with NRL bloodied players Apa Twidle, Jack Cole and Niwhai Puru as the club builds sustainable and long-term future success by investing in the next generation of potential NRL stars.
Head Coach Mal Meninga said signing Chapman was yet another great coup for the Bears.
“Asher is the type of explosive, highly skilled footy player we want at the club,” Meninga said.
“His background dominating both codes shows he has a rare level of football intelligence that makes him a great talent now and into the future.
“What excites me most about Asher isn’t just his raw athletic ability, but his character and hunger to learn.
“When building a brand-new club list from scratch, you want to invest heavily in the quality of the individual. He wants to work hard, he wants to be a leader, and we are confident he is going to develop into a premier NRL star who the West Australian fans will love watching for many years to come.”
Chapman expressed his excitement about being part of rugby league history.
“The chance to join a brand-new club like the Perth Bears was an opportunity too good to turn down,” Chapman said.
“Taking my game to the next level under a living legend like Mal Meninga is massive for my development.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the St. George Illawarra Dragons for everything they’ve done for me, but I can’t wait to rip in, wear the Bears jersey, and give everything I’ve got to the fans in Perth.”
Elite Pathways Manager Ian Millward said Chapman’s signing reflected the club’s commitment to identifying and developing the best junior talent from across the country.
“Asher is a genuine talent with a really hard edge to his game and great courage,” Millward said.
“We see him as ideally suited to the modern hooker role — creating go-forward and options around the ruck with a strong all-round skill set.
“He has been outstanding in the Harold Matthews competition and was a highly sought-after recruit.”
