The Perth Bears have missed out on multiple high-profile targets as their recruitment drive stalls, including Titans halfback Jayden Campbell and Storm superstar Cameron Munster.
With the club previously vowing to fill 10 roster spots in their top 30 before Christmas, many have begun questioning the Bears’ early recruitment and the pressure building on their front office.
It is now being reported, however, that the Bears have identified Brisbane Broncos duo Gehamat Shibasaki and Jesse Arthars as key targets they intend to pursue aggressively, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Both Shibasaki and Arthars are off contract at the end of 2026, opening the door for Perth to begin formal talks immediately.
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While neither would be considered a marquee signing, both played important roles in Brisbane’s premiership campaign, with Shibasaki in particular emerging as one of the form centres of 2025 and earning Origin and Test honours.
The Broncos are bracing for poaching raids as salary-cap pressure tightens at Red Hill, with the club also needing to re-sign powerhouse prop Payne Haas, who will command a significant upgrade.
Arthars may be tempted by the promise of a locked-in starting role after being overlooked for Brisbane’s grand final despite spending most of the year as a first-choice winger.
The 27-year-old has been a consistent contributor for the Broncos, scoring 31 tries in 74 NRL appearances and earning selection in Queensland’s extended Origin squad.
Shibasaki, meanwhile, is in line for a major payday after rising from development contract to Origin and Kangaroos representative in a single season.
He earned roughly $198,000 in 2025 through match payments and representative bonuses, but could command more than $450,000 per season as a foundation centre in Perth.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire is eager to retain both players, but CEO Dave Donaghy has conceded the premiers are vulnerable to expansion raids from Perth and PNG.
Donaghy stressed that Brisbane will fight to retain their talent, but acknowledged that the salary cap forces even elite clubs into difficult calls.
The Bears, meanwhile, maintain they do not need a marquee signing to succeed and intend to mirror the Dolphins’ blueprint of building a deep, balanced roster.
Coach Mal Meninga remains unfazed by early setbacks such as the club’s failed $6 million bid for Jayden Campbell, insisting Perth’s long-term success will be built on depth, culture and smart recruitment.
Shibasaki and Arthars headline Perth’s hit list, but several other Broncos players are also believed to be on the Bears’ radar as they prepare for their 2027 debut.
With Shibasaki’s value rising fast, the Broncos may soon find themselves priced out of a fight they never wanted to have.