Perth Bears secure former Broncos hooker Tyson Smoothy for 2027 NRL debut

Perth Bears Tyson Smoothy NRL expansion Mal Meninga Jack Cole

The expansion club Perth Bears, set to join the NRL as the 18th team in 2027, have bolstered their inaugural roster with several high‑profile signings. Hooker Tyson Smoothy, a 2025 Brisbane Broncos premiership winner who played 46 NRL games, was granted an early release from England's Wakefield Trinity on compassionate grounds and signed a three‑year deal to return to Australia. Centre Gehamat Shibasaki, a Queensland State of Origin representative, also joined on a two‑year contract. In addition, the Bears secured Penrith Panthers playmaker Jack Cole on a three‑year deal; the 23‑year‑old has featured in 18 first‑grade matches and comes through Penrith’s renowned development system. Head coach Mal Meninga highlighted the growing depth of the squad, noting that four players now have recent premiership experience. The recruitment drive is part of the club’s effort to build a competitive side for its debut season.

Entities

Gehamat Shibasaki · Jack Cole · Mal Meninga · Perth Bears · Tyson Smoothy · Wakefield Trinity

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] Perth Bears have signed centre Gehamat Shibasaki on a two‑year deal. www.sportingnews.com · theqldr.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Perth Bears will enter the NRL as the 18th team in 2027. www.sportingnews.com · theqldr.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Tyson Smoothy was released from Wakefield Trinity on compassionate grounds. www.sportingnews.com · theqldr.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Mal Meninga is head coach of the Perth Bears. www.sportingnews.com · theqldr.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] Perth Bears have signed half Jack Cole from Penrith Panthers on a three‑year deal. www.sportingnews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Four Perth Bears players have recent premiership experience. theqldr.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Tyson Smoothy was part of the Brisbane Broncos 2025 premiership‑winning squad. www.sportingnews.com · theqldr.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Perth Bears have signed hooker Tyson Smoothy on a three-year deal. www.sportingnews.com · theqldr.com.au

Sources

Perth Bears lock in second Broncos premiership winner [www.sportingnews.com]

18 days ago

Wakefield Trinity sign Mason Teague to replace Tyson Smoothy – Total Rugby League [www.totalrl.com]

18 days ago

Perth Bears land Panthers half in major three-year signing [www.sportingnews.com]

17 days ago

Bears snare title-winning hooker as build takes shape [theqldr.com.au]

18 days ago