The Perth Bears will sign Junior Paulo and Morgan Smithies for their 2027 NRL debut, enhancing their roster significantly.
The Perth Bears are set to add another two experienced internationals to their inaugural roster, with Parramatta Eels veteran Junior Paulo and Canberra Raiders forward Morgan Smithies expected to join the NRL's newest franchise from next season.
Paulo is understood to have agreed to a two-year deal, while Smithies has signed a three-year contract that includes an option for a further two seasons.
The pair's arrivals were first revealed by News.com and continue Perth's aggressive recruitment drive ahead of its entry into the competition in 2027.
Paulo's signing represents one of the biggest coups for the expansion club, with the 32-year-old expected to provide both leadership and representative experience. He has also been linked to the captaincy, having established himself as one of the NRL's premier front-rowers across more than a decade.