The Perth Bears have started their recruitment campaign for their inaugural 2027 season and are chasing big names and players looking for opportunities.
One of their targets is a premiership winning front-rower who has a lot of untapped potential.
Panthers forward Liam Henry is on Perth Bears target list and they plan to offer him a significant deal.
CODE Sports understands that Henry is yet to reach agreement with the Panthers over an extension.
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He played 23 games for the club in the 2025 season and 24 the previous year including the grand final where he started on the interchange bench.
The Bears have former Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner, who will be on the coaching staff at the Bears before succeeding head coach Mal Meninga in the 2029 season.
The club was poised to sign Canterbury Bulldogs forward Luke Smith and former North Queensland Cowboys player Marly Bitungane, both of whom are without contracts for the 2026 season.
The pair are expected to play next year under Jason Demetriou at the London Broncos before returning to be members of the Perth Bears inaugural team.
The Bears hope they have signed ten players by the Christmas period, and reports have indicated they have been aggressive since November 1.