Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga has confirmed the signings of Broncos premiership winner Gehamat Shibasaki and Bulldogs young gun Jope Rauqe ahead of their debut NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been busy assembling his maiden roster ahead of Perth’s entry into the competition, and the Brisbane Origin player and NSW U/19 rep star are two more exciting additions for the new franchise.
Shibasaki has agreed to join the Bears on a two-year deal worth a reported $500,000 a season, and is one of Perth’s biggest signings to date. The 28-year-old was a key part of the Broncos’ premiership triumph and the Maroons’ Origin series victory in 2025, having started last season on an $80,000 train-and-trial contract with Brisbane.
Broncos Origin star Gehamat Shibsaki (centre) is set to join the Perth Bears in one of two exciting new additions for Mal Meninga’s (L) side. Pic: Getty
He was also part of the Kangaroos squad that swept England in the Ashes series, and was picked in Billy Slater’s Queensland squad for Origin 1 this year. Shibasaki didn’t feature in the series defeat to NSW and his form at Brisbane has been patchy in 2026 after his incredible breakout season last year. And a salary cap squeeze at the Broncos has allowed the Bears to pounce.
Shibasaki looms as a key signing for a Bears squad that was looking a little light on outside backs. And Meninga says he’s thrilled to have lured the rep star to Perth after admitting he was a player they’d had their eye on for some time.
“He is a Test player who will add a new dimension to our backline. He is large, strong and has big game experience that will be invaluable,” Meninga said about Shibasaki. “He has persevered for a long time and ultimately that led to success. I’m excited to welcome him and his family as part of our squad.”
Perth Bears sign Bulldogs young gun in double swoop
Meninga also lauded the signing of 19-year-old Rauqe from the Bulldogs, who has been touted as one of the brightest young outside backs coming through the Canterbury system. Rauqe was part of the NSW Blues’ U/19 Origin squad this year and has already made his Test debut for Fiji.
Bulldogs young gun and Fiji Test player Jope Raque has agreed to join the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural season in 2027. Pic: Bulldogs
Standing at 191cm tall, the teenager is regarded as an “outstanding prospect” by Meninga and among a host of youngsters the Bears have signed as long-term investments. He joins other emerging stars such as Mason Barber, Jasais Ah Kee and Apa Twidle to commit to Perth, who have now finalised 22 spots in their maiden 30-man roster for 2027.
“Jope is an outstanding prospect who has incredible natural talent and ability,” Meninga said about the Bulldogs young gun. “He is tall, athletic and an absolute try scorer. He will bring energy and excitement to our squad and can make a real impact”.
