The Perth Bears have intensified their recruitment push this week by announcing the signing of English international representative centre Harry Newman.
The signing comes after widespread coverage of the Bears’ inability to secure big-name players, including last week’s failure to land Titans halfback Jayden Campbell.
Campbell chose to re-sign and remain on the Gold Coast despite the Bears presenting a contract offer worth upwards of $1.5 million more.
It is now being reported that the Bears have set their sights on Melbourne Storm utility Tyran Wishart, with conversations with the Storm utility already underway according to reports in the Daily Telegraph.
MORE: Perth Bears secure signature of English international
Wishart has emerged as one of Perth’s priority targets, with the expansion club likely eager to add a versatile and established NRL playmaker to anchor their spine for the long term.
The Bears are understood to be preparing a significant offer, believing Wishart could become the club’s most important signing since entering the market.
Wishart’s ability to cover multiple key positions, including hooker, halfback and fullback, is an attractive option for the Bears as they look to build a competitive roster.
His rise at the Storm has not gone unnoticed, with the 25-year-old becoming a reliable and high-impact contributor in Craig Bellamy’s system whenever called upon.
For the Bears Wishart could become a potential cornerstone of their maiden campaign, with his experience in a premiership-winning environment invaluable to a club starting from scratch.
Coach Mal Meninga has previously stated they are building a roster with "Bears DNA" and culture paramount, Wishart seems to fit the bill well.
A deal for Wishart would also bring immediate credibility to the Bears’ spine and could serve as the defining signing of the club’s short history.
Storm management are expected to fight hard to keep him, but the Bears are prepared to stretch their offer and provide a long-term starting role — something Wishart has not always been guaranteed in Melbourne.
With Perth finally building momentum and eager to establish a competitive squad from day one, Wishart shapes as the next major domino that could change the direction of their inaugural roster.
If the Bears can secure him, it would not only fill one of their most important positions but could signal a turning point in a recruitment campaign that has struggled to land its top targets.