The Perth Bears recruitment raid of some of the hottest prospects in the game shows no signs of slowing down with highly regarded young playmaker Jasais Ah Kee set to join the club next season.
A schoolboy superstar at Patrician Brothers Blacktown, 18-year-old Ah Kee will join the Bears on a three-year deal that will see the talented half/five-eighth transition from a Train and Trial contract in 2027 to the Development squad in 2028 before a Top 30 spot in 2029.
“Jasais is one of the most skilled young halves in the game and we are absolutely thrilled he has decided to sign with the Perth Bears,” Head Coach Mal Meninga said.
“We have locked in some exciting prospects now that will be the cornerstone for the Bears for many years to come.
“Mason Barber, Apa Twidle and Jasais can help us build the foundations for something very special. I’m delighted they believe in our vision and look forward to working with them all next season.”
Born in Western Sydney and of Samoan heritage, Ah Kee believes the Perth Bears provide the best opportunity to continue his development.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue my career with the Perth Bears” Ah Kee said.
“I believe in the vision for the club and the pathway that Mal and his coaching staff have provided to continue my development.
“I’m going to continue to work hard and look forward to running out for the Bears next season and for many more to come”.
Today’s announcement caps off another milestone week for the club, which saw the Perth Bears hit an astonishing 20,500 Foundation Members.
Perth Bears CEO Anthony DeCeglie hailed Ah Kee’s signature as another major coup for the club.
He said it showed the club’s commitment to providing talented young players a pathway to the NRL.
“Jasais is a fantastic young man who will be a part of our club for many years to come” Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Celgie said.
“We have been very open about recruiting players of high character who we believe will make the most of the opportunities Western Australia can provide.
“Our Football Department, led by Mal, have been driving this strategy and we are now starting to reap the rewards with talented young players like Jasais, Mason and Apa seeing the opportunities this club can provide both on and off the field of play.
“It’s been another yet monumental week for our club with Gareth Holmes appointed as our General Manager of Football, our South Africa strategy in place, more signings announced and the huge success of our Foundation Membership launch.
“And we continue to kick goals with record sponsorships – further proof of just how much our fans and the community believe in what we are building.”
