A Major Recruitment Coup for the NRL’s 18th Franchise
The Perth Bears have secured one of their most significant signing coups ahead of their entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) as the competition’s 18th franchise in 2027. In an official announcement in July 2026, the Bears confirmed the signing of Brisbane Broncos premiership-winning centre Gehamat Shibasaki on a lucrative two-year contract worth $1 million. The deal, valued at $500,000 per season, represents a major financial upgrade for the 28-year-old and fills a critical void in the Bears’ developing backline.
According to reports from the Australian Associated Press and Fox Sports, Shibasaki will complete the 2026 premiership season with Brisbane before relocating to Western Australia. The Broncos were eager to retain the versatile outside back, but severe salary cap pressures coupled with a dip in Shibasaki’s on-field production limited their renewal offer to $300,000 per season. The Bears capitalized on the opportunity, offering a premium contract that Brisbane simply could not match under their current fiscal constraints.
The Contrast Between Two Seasons: 2025 vs. 2026
Shibasaki’s journey over the past two years highlights both his immense upside and the volatility of professional rugby league. Entering the 2025 season, the veteran journeyman found himself without an NRL contract. He agreed to a modest $80,000 train-and-trial deal with the Brisbane Broncos, eventually forcing his way into the starting side through standout pre-season performances.
What followed was a genuine breakout campaign. Shibasaki became an indispensable asset for Brisbane, scoring 18 tries and providing six try assists. His stellar form culminated in a grand final triumph over the Melbourne Storm, where he scored two tries to help break Brisbane’s premiership drought. This exceptional run earned him a State of Origin debut for Queensland and selection for Australia, where he played all three Test matches in the Kangaroos’ 3-0 Ashes series sweep against England.
However, the 2026 season has told a vastly different story. Amid a challenging period for the Broncos on the field, Shibasaki’s individual numbers have declined. In 13 appearances in 2026, he has managed just three tries and registered zero try assists. Despite this temporary drop in form, Perth Bears head coach Mal Meninga remains entirely confident that the experienced outside back can recapture the elite standard he set during his championship-winning season.
Meninga’s Blueprint and Roster Construction
For Mal Meninga, securing Shibasaki is as much about establishing a strong club culture as it is about adding physical prowess to the backline. Shibasaki, who boasts Torres Strait Island and Japanese heritage, is highly regarded for his resilience and professional standard.
“He is a Test player who will add a new dimension to our backline,” Meninga said in a club statement. “He is large, strong, and has big-game experience that will be invaluable. Most important of all, Gehamat has the character and personality that the Perth Bears are looking for. He has persevered for a long time, and ultimately that led to success.”
With Shibasaki’s signature officially secured, the Bears have now locked in 22 of their inaugural top-30 squad. The club’s recruitment strategy initially focused heavily on establishing a robust forward pack, leaving them comparatively light in the outside backs. The addition of Shibasaki addresses this imbalance. He is expected to partner England international centre Harry Newman in what promises to be a dynamic defensive and offensive pairing.
The Bears’ backline is rapidly taking shape. Alongside Shibasaki and Newman, the club has secured Parramatta flyer Sean Russell and Wests Tigers rookie Luke Laulilii on the wings, with Melbourne Storm star Nick Meaney providing elite utility coverage across all outside back positions. In the halves, Melbourne utility Tyran Wishart and former Canterbury and Gold Coast playmaker Toby Sexton are set to combine, providing a balanced mix of tactical kicking and running threat.
A Double Coup: Securing the Future with Jope Rauqe
In addition to Shibasaki, the Perth Bears announced the signing of 19-year-old Fiji international prospect Jope Rauqe, further solidifying their long-term depth. Standing at an imposing 191 centimeters, Rauqe is regarded as one of the most physically gifted young outside backs in the pathways system.
Rauqe, a Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs pathway player, made his international Test debut for Fiji during the 2025 Pacific Championships and represented the NSW Under-19s team in 2026. Meninga described the teenager as an “outstanding prospect” with natural try-scoring ability.
“He is tall, athletic, and an absolute try scorer,” Meninga remarked. “He will bring energy and excitement to our squad and can make a real impact.”
The acquisition of Rauqe aligns with the Bears’ dual-track recruitment philosophy. While established veterans like Shibasaki, Newman, and Meaney will carry the tactical load in the club’s historic first season, the Bears are simultaneously investing in a core group of high-potential youngsters, including Mason Barber, Jasais Ah Kee, and Apa Twidle, to build a sustainable competitive foundation for Western Australian rugby league.