Josh Curran has signed with the Perth Bears, ending his time at the Canterbury Bulldogs and becoming one of the expansion club’s most significant forward recruitment wins ahead of their NRL entry.
The experienced forward will relocate west on a three-year deal, giving the Bears an established first-grade player to help anchor their inaugural roster.
The Bulldogs forward will play his final season in blue and white in 2026 and says he is excited by the prospect of joining a franchise in its inaugural year.
“The chance to be part of the Bears’ inaugural squad and to have my name among their first signings is surreal,” Curran said.
“I’m passionate about getting out in the community, and to have the opportunity to create something from the ground up that can inspire a whole state really motivates me, because this is history for our game and I’m super excited to be part of it,” Curran added.
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Bears coach Mal Meninga has made it clear he is targeting a mix of leadership, experience and ability as he builds his NRL squad, making Curran a natural fit for the club’s vision.
“Josh brings a unique combination of skill and finesse with the ball, along with real tenacity in defence,” Meninga said.
“He plays with intensity and a genuine commitment to making his teammates shine, and I’ve been equally impressed with the leader he is off the field and the time he invests back into the community,” Meninga added.
The 31-year-old has played more than 100 NRL games across stints with the Roosters, Warriors and Bulldogs, building a reputation as a tough competitor with a strong blend of work rate and skill.
During his time at Canterbury, Curran became a regular in the forward rotation, often providing impact off the bench while covering lock, edge and prop roles.
While the Bears have already secured key signings including halfback Toby Sexton and English international centre Harry Newman, the club was still in need of another proven first-grade starting forward.
Curran will now join Penrith forward Liam Henry as the most established members of the Bears’ pack in their inaugural season, helping to solidify the middle.
For Curran, the move offers a fresh opportunity to play a central role in a new environment rather than being part of a crowded forward pack at an established NRL powerhouse.
The Bears see Curran as the type of professional who can help shape culture, mentor younger players and withstand the inevitable challenges faced by a start-up franchise.
His exit closes a solid chapter at the Bulldogs, but his arrival in Perth marks the beginning of what the Bears hope will be a hard-nosed, competitive identity built for long-term success.