The Perth Bears have secured two more key signings with Luke Smith and Emarly Bitungane committing to the club for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
Smith and Bitungane will play for the London Broncos in 2026 before joining the Bears ahead of their inaugural season in 2027.
“Luke and Emarly are exciting prospects who will play an important role for our club in 2027 and beyond,” Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said.
“Both players have progressed through the ranks in good systems and I’m excited to watch their development next season with the London Broncos.
“Emarly is a very strong and mobile middle forward who I think has the potential to develop into a very important piece in our roster.
“Luke is supremely fit and an excellent defender who offers us something in attack as well.
“He had an impressive junior career and I’m very excited to see what he can bring to the Bears in 2027.”
Born in Tanzania, Bitungane became the second African born player to take the field in NRL history when he made his First-Grade debut for the North QLD Cowboys earlier this year.
Bitungane only began playing Rugby League as a 15 year-old in 2018 and will look to continue his inspirational story in the UK next year before returning to Perth in 2027.
“Making my NRL debut this year was a dream come true and to now have the opportunity to make history with the Perth Bears is just incredible,” Bitungane said.
“My focus now is on the London Broncos, but it is an honour to be able to represent the Bears, and I can’t wait to run out in front of those home fans at HBF Park.”
Luke Smith is an exciting second rower who has progressed through the ranks at the Bulldogs, captaining their 2024 Premiership winning Jersey Flegg team, before making his first grade debut this year.
Smith will be 23 years-old when he heads to Perth in 2027 and is equally excited about the prospect of being a part of the Bears inaugural squad.
“It’s not every day you get the chance to create history, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play with Perth from 2027,” Smith said.
“My priority is to keep working hard with the London Broncos next season and come back stronger and hungrier for the Bears in 2027.”
Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe said he was delighted to secure the signature of two emerging talents declaring both have all the attributes to have long and successful NRL careers.
“Emarly and Luke possess all the characteristics we are looking for as we continue to build out roster,” he said.
“They are hardworking, selfless and confident enough to take themselves out of their comfort zone to play in the UK before committing to Perth for 2027.
“I’m delighted they can play together in London next year and can’t wait to see them in a Bears jersey in 2027.”
