<h2>Perth Bears Make Their First Two Signings – Four Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Perth Bears secure Toby Sexton and Harry Newman as inaugural NRL signings for 2027 season debut.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Canterbury halfback Sexton and England international Newman become the club's trailblazing first recruits.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Coach Mal Meninga continues recruitment drive with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Tyran Wishart still priority targets.</p> <p>- &nbsp; High-profile players including Herbie Farnworth, Harry Grant and Josh Addo-Carr have also been removed from consideration after securing contracts elsewhere.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Perth Bears Make History with First NRL Signings</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Perth Bears have taken their first major step towards NRL readiness, confirming Canterbury halfback Toby Sexton and Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman as the club's inaugural player signings ahead of their 2027 season entry.</p> <p>Coach Mal Meninga described both players as having the ideal attributes to spearhead the Bears' historic venture into the NRL competition. Sexton, who helped guide Canterbury to the top four finish in 2025, emerges as the frontrunner to become Perth's first-choice halfback when the club begins play.</p> <p>"Both players have all the attributes and qualities I'm looking for when building out our roster," Meninga stated.</p> <p>"Toby is a proven leader who works hard to make his teammates better. He is a quality person who I know will make the most of the opportunity to be a trailblazer for the Perth Bears."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>International Experience Bolsters Perth Bears Backline</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Newman's recruitment represents a significant coup for the Perth Bears, bringing Test-level experience from his seven England appearances during his tenure with Leeds Rhinos.</p> <p>The 25-year-old has established himself as a consistent performer in the Super League, scoring 46 tries across 129 games since his 2017 debut as a 17-year-old.</p> <p>Meninga highlighted Newman's credentials as crucial for immediate NRL impact. "Harry is a Test player who has been a part of the successful Leeds Rhinos system for several years.</p> <p>He has the skillset and experience to make an immediate impact in the NRL, and I'm really excited to see what he can do when he gets here in 2027."</p> <p>The English international expressed enthusiasm about testing himself in Australian rugby league's premier competition. "It's always been my ambition to test myself in the NRL and I'm delighted to have the chance to do it with the Perth Bears," Newman said.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Recruitment Drive Continues for 2027 Season</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While celebrating their first signings, the Perth Bears maintain active pursuit of additional marquee players for their inaugural squad.</p> <p>Gold Coast forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui remains a priority target, alongside Melbourne utility player Tyran Wishart and South Sydney's Keaon Koloamatangi.</p> <p>The club has encountered setbacks in their recruitment campaign, missing out on Gold Coast duo Jayden Campbell and Beau Fermor.</p> <p>High-profile players including Herbie Farnworth, Harry Grant and Josh Addo-Carr have also been removed from consideration after securing contracts elsewhere.</p> <p>Ryan Papenhuyzen presents an intriguing possibility following Melbourne's October release and the abandonment of R360's 2026 launch.</p> <p>The fullback's availability remains uncertain as he continues weighing his professional rugby league future.</p> <p>Sexton will complete his 2026 obligations with Catalans Dragons following his high-profile Canterbury departure before joining the Perth Bears setup.</p> <p>The halfback expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Western Australia's rugby league ambitions.</p> <p>"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Perth Bears roster," Sexton confirmed. "To be one of the Bears' first signings is something I'm grateful for. I'm excited for the opportunity and honoured to represent the people of Western Australia."</p>