Much has been made of the Perth Bears' ability to assemble an NRL roster that can be competitive from opening day.
Recruitment boss Dane Campbell has been candid about the challenges of planning ahead of November 1 - the first time the Bears can negotiate with players.
Existing clubs, of course, have the advantage of securing their own talent well before then.
MORE: Perth Bears recruitment manager makes damning admission ahead of November 1
As a countermeasure, the Bears are reportedly pursuing a strategic partnership with Super League club the Catalans Dragons.
What is the Bears' plan to affiliate with Catalans Dragons?
According to AAP, there is an understanding that players could spend time with the French-based side before linking up with Perth in the lead-up to their inaugural NRL campaign in 2027.
Catalans have long been a favoured destination for NRL players drawn by both the competition and the lifestyle on offer in the south of France.
Notable names such as Tevita Pangai Jr, Nick Cotric, Tariq Sims, and more recently Toby Sexton have all inked deals with the club.
The Super League more broadly is seen as a fertile ground for the Bears' recruitment efforts, bolstered by the prospect of direct flights between Perth and the UK.
Campbell and his recruitment team may struggle to land marquee players in their first free agency window, but their growing presence in feeder leagues on the eastern seaboard could help establish a pathways system to bridge the gap until a star becomes available.
Reports indicate the Bears are close to securing an agreement with the well-resourced Brisbane Tigers club in the Queensland Cup, adding to their existing connection with the North Sydney Bears.
By tapping into these talent streams from established rugby league strongholds, Perth's rebuild could follow a more sustainable path.