‘First signing’: Surprise name linked to historic contract as cashed-up Bears hone in targets

A former Bulldogs star has been linked to the Perth Bears, with one expert believing the halfback could be the new NRL franchise’s first ever signing.

It’s a crucially important period for the Bears, who are free to negotiate and sign players from midnight tonight.

With a blank roster and just over $12 million to splurge, the Bears can’t afford to not be aggressive.

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They’ve signalled their intent, with recruitment manager Dane Campbell hoping the club can sign ten players by Christmas.

Veteran journalist Brent Read says the Bears’ brass convened for “five days of meetings” to sort out their plain of attack.

‘They’re in town. They had five days of meetings last week and plotted their attack plan. devised a plan and they are meeting managers in Sydney and Brisbane this week,” Read said on Triple M.

Naturally, several players have been linked to the Bears. Read here for our comprehensive Bears free agency state of play.

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However, Read outlined who he believes the Bears may look at targeting seriously, including a surprise name who the Bulldogs let walk this season.

‘Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is an obvious one and Jayden Campbell who Mal knows quite well from their time on the Gold Coast is as well,” Read said.

‘Toby Sexton has been linked with them for a while and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s their first signing.

‘Tyran Wishart is another guy who is out there.

“There’s a heap of blokes they can have a go at.”